Question 1

Is Memphis or Seattle cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $1,008/month less than in Seattle, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $2,501/mo in Seattle.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs Seattle?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $65,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $86,000/year in Seattle, WA — a difference of about $20,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or Seattle 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 $12,749/month in Seattle, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or Seattle?

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	Seattle59
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,783	$4,791
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,376	$12,749
Salary for comfort	$65,500/yr	$86,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$2,501
Median home value	$157,100	$912,100
Median household income	$51,211	$121,984
Unemployment	5.6%	4.7%
Housing score	65	34
Jobs score	14	35
Safety score	4	40
Climate score	100	92
Amenities score	47	90
Population	629.1K	741.4K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 33°	76° / 37°

Memphis, TN vs Seattle, WA