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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Memphis, TN

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

19.6% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
38.6% 38.6% cheaper housing
9.8% 9.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 38.6% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 9.8% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation 11.9% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 11.8% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Atlanta
99
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index1078619.6% less
Housing1147038.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$95042.4% less
Median Home Price$380,000$165,00056.6% less
Groceries102929.8% less
Transportation1099611.9% less
Healthcare1029011.8% less
Utilities9998~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Memphis, TN
State Income Tax5.39%None (0%)
State Sales Tax4.00%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Memphis costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Memphis to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Memphis633,104

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and Memphis → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Memphis →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Memphis cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 38.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Memphis?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to Memphis?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $48,000 in Memphis. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $215,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.