Question 1

Is Memphis or Raleigh cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $441/month less than in Raleigh, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $1,750/mo in Raleigh.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs Raleigh?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $65,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $78,500/year in Raleigh, NC — a difference of about $13,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or Raleigh cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,376/month in Memphis and $9,872/month in Raleigh, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or Raleigh?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Memphis costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Memphis53	Raleigh75
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,783	$4,224
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,376	$9,872
Salary for comfort	$65,500/yr	$78,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$1,750
Median home value	$157,100	$377,800
Median household income	$51,211	$82,424
Unemployment	5.6%	3.1%
Housing score	65	56
Jobs score	14	88
Safety score	4	59
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	47	62
Population	629.1K	470.8K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 33°	90° / 31°

Memphis, TN vs Raleigh, NC