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:
$70,204/year
▼ $4,796 less than you make now
| Category | Birmingham | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $70,204 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,059 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,353 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,018 |
| State Tax | -$3,710 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,439 | $57,775 |
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 | $37,784 | -$2,216 | $32,398 |
| $50,000 | $47,236 | -$2,764 | $39,993 |
| $60,000 | $56,686 | -$3,314 | $47,586 |
| $75,000 | $70,204 | -$4,796 | $57,775 |
| $100,000 | $93,532 | -$6,468 | $74,186 |
| $150,000 | $140,008 | -$9,992 | $106,448 |
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 →