Moving from Birmingham to Memphis?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Birmingham lifestyle in Memphis, you'd need to earn:
$75,438/year
▲ $438 more than you make now
| Category | Birmingham | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $75,438 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$8,210 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,677 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,094 |
| State Tax | -$3,710 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,439 | $61,457 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +0.6% in Memphis
- Housing is +11.0% in Memphis
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $3,710/year in taxes in Memphis
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~217 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: Birmingham to Memphis
| Your Birmingham Salary | Memphis Equivalent | Difference | Memphis Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $40,234 | +$234 | $34,367 |
| $50,000 | $50,292 | +$292 | $42,448 |
| $60,000 | $60,350 | +$350 | $50,530 |
| $75,000 | $75,438 | +$438 | $61,457 |
| $100,000 | $100,584 | +$584 | $79,147 |
| $150,000 | $150,876 | +$876 | $113,877 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Birmingham and Memphis Compare
Housing (11% more expensive in Memphis)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Memphis rents for $950/month compared to $1,050/month in Birmingham. Median home prices: $236,000 in Memphis vs $230,000 in Birmingham.
Taxes
Alabama has a progressive state income tax from 2.0% to 5.0%. Tennessee has no state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Memphis would save you about $3,710/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Memphis's overall cost of living is 0.6% higher than Birmingham, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Birmingham: 91.6, Memphis: 92.2.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Birmingham to Memphis move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Memphis
Average 1BR rent in Memphis: $950/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →