Question 1

Is Memphis or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $415/month less than in Virginia Beach, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $1,713/mo in Virginia Beach.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs Virginia Beach?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $65,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $79,000/year in Virginia Beach, VA — a difference of about $13,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or Virginia Beach 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 $9,897/month in Virginia Beach, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or Virginia Beach?

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	Virginia Beach75
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,783	$4,198
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,376	$9,897
Salary for comfort	$65,500/yr	$79,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$1,713
Median home value	$157,100	$366,300
Median household income	$51,211	$90,685
Unemployment	5.6%	3.7%
Housing score	65	72
Jobs score	14	55
Safety score	4	93
Climate score	100	96
Amenities score	47	38
Population	629.1K	457.1K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 33°	88° / 32°

Memphis, TN vs Virginia Beach, VA