Memphis Cost of Living: Serious Savings
Yes, there is no shortage of reasons why Memphis is a great place to live. But what about affordability? With the cost of living skyrocketing is bigger cities like New York, San Francisco, and Atlanta, and popular cities like Nashville experiencing their own cost of living crisis, now more than ever is the time to think about how to stretch your dollar.
The cost of living in Memphis is roughly 21% lower than the national average. That number gets even more impressive when you start comparing it against other cities. Like Atlanta – 41.4% more expensive than Memphis. Or Nashville – 33.4% more expensive than Memphis. We’ve even ranked above cities like Chicago, D.C., Philadelphia and more.
Because the Memphis cost of living is so much lower than the rest of the country, you can make the most of your money. By living in Memphis, you can spend your money on experiences you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. Or maybe being a homeowner is something you’ve always wanted but couldn’t dream of doing in a bigger city – that dream can become a reality in Memphis.
Less Commuting, More Living
How’s that rush hour traffic treating you?
Memphians spend only 21.7 minutes on a one-way commute compared to the national average of 26.4 minutes. But compared to other cities, we’re living the dream: head-to-head with Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas, Memphians save 40 hours annually just through shorter commutes. Poor New Yorkers: they spend a soul-crushing 80 extra hours annually getting to and from work.
Woof. We’ll pass. There’s got to be a better way. And there is—we’re out here living it.
Exceptional Entrepreneurial Spirit
Sure, anyone can start a business. But, in Memphis, we build empires. Our city’s grit and grind attitude isn’t just responsible for bringing new ideas to life, but it also takes entrepreneurship to new heights.
Don’t just take our word for it. As our city distinguishes itself as an exceptional place to launch a business, the world’s taken notice.
From top-tier organizations, like Afrotech, highlighting Memphis as one of the Top Markets for Black Entrepreneurs to national media outlets celebrating our locals’ innovative concepts, Memphians aren’t just front and center on the world’s stage—they’re setting trends, making change, and blazing trails.
A Leading Tourist Destination
Looking for a place to live that your family will want to visit all the time? Look no further, moving to Memphis is right for you. Memphis is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, with more than 12 million people visiting each year to explore over 60 different attractions – and the list keeps growing every day. An award-winning zoo, international festivals and competitions, professional sports teams anchored by NBA giants, and much more.
A Spirit of Generosity
More and more, people are prioritizing philanthropic efforts in their jobs and personal life. It’s not enough to do well and climb the ladder anymore, people – especially young professionals – want to know they’re making a difference and giving back. This is part of what makes Memphis a great place to live. In The Chronicle of Philanthropy Memphis is ranked the most giving city in America. People and organizations alike are giving their time, money, and energy to philanthropic causes, and it’s part of what’s driving an exceptional quality of life here in the Bluff City. Among the 50 largest regions in the U.S., Memphis is #1 in the number of non-profit organizations per 10,000 population. That means if you’re in the business of helping others, Memphis is the place for you.
A Thriving Place for the Arts
One of the greatest culture amenities big cities have is their arts scene, but moving to Memphis doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice that. Unbeknownst to many, Memphis is actually a hidden gem for the arts, offering a variety of cultural institutions to soothe the cravings of any art-lover. In fact, Memphis has year-round access to some of the most diverse art institutions in the country. Ballet Memphis boasts one of the most diverse dancer populations in the country, Hattiloo Theatre is the only freestanding Black repertory theatre in five surrounding states – the list goes on. From museums and performing arts to local galleries and exhibits, there’s something new to see or experience everywhere you look.
Unparalleled Music History and Scene
Whether you realize it or not, Memphis changed how the world hears music, and no discussion about Memphis would be complete without noting its most legendary and iconic music scene. Some of the world’s greatest musicians of all time have called Memphis home. From Elvis Presley and B.B. King, to Three 6 Mafia, Valerie June, Justin Timberlake, and Julien Baker, moving to Memphis means joining a community rich in musical history. And while there’s no shortage of history to learn about Memphis’ music scene, there’s also no shortage of contemporary music to hear and experience either. Memphis is a mecca for musicians, and as a resident of this city, you can expect to hear some of the greatest sounds pouring out of a bar on any given night. Outdoor concerts, open mic night, intimate house concerts, free shows in the park – Memphis is a music lovers paradise.
Visit our music page for more!
A Foodie’s Paradise
What would a city be without a vibrant and thriving food scene? Whether it’s James Beard Award nominated chefs or a food truck with a cult-like following, Memphis has it all. Part of the fun of moving to Memphis is finding your favorite food spots. There’s the legacy food institutions, like the soul food famous Four Way and world-renowned Rendezvous barbecue, but there are also newer spots popping up every day with unique dining experiences and exquisite food.
A Diversity Powerhouse
In Memphis, “diversity” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a fundamental part of who we are.
Rather than overlooking our rich Black culture and heritage, we embrace it. We celebrate the Memphis-made music that has inspired worldwide trends for generations. We savor the uniquely Memphian cuisine that makes mouths water across the globe. And we honor the Black entrepreneurship, industry, and activism that has always made Memphis thrive.
We’re also home to a proud and growing Latin(e/x/o) community. They enrich our city with exceptional creative arts contributions, advocacy programs, and entrepreneurship that expands our city with new flavors and style. We proudly amplify their unique stories through Somos Memphis, our partnership with Latino Memphis.
This is just the beginning of cultural representation in our city, which is home to immigrants from more than 20 different countries. Mix it all together with Southern hospitality and soul, and you’ve got Memphis.
We wouldn’t have it any other way.
