Moving from Los Angeles to Memphis?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle in Memphis, you'd need to earn:
$60,858/year
▼ $14,142 less than you make now
| Category | Los Angeles | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $60,858 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$5,264 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$3,773 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$882 |
| State Tax | -$3,517 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,631 | $50,938 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -18.9% in Memphis
- Housing is -53.2% in Memphis
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $3,517/year in taxes in Memphis
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~1,600 miles
DIY Truck
$4,000
Container
$6,500
Full-Service
$9,000
Salary Equivalents: Los Angeles to Memphis
| Your Los Angeles Salary | Memphis Equivalent | Difference | Memphis Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $32,457 | -$7,543 | $28,118 |
| $50,000 | $40,572 | -$9,428 | $34,638 |
| $60,000 | $48,686 | -$11,314 | $41,158 |
| $75,000 | $60,858 | -$14,142 | $50,938 |
| $100,000 | $81,143 | -$18,857 | $65,470 |
| $150,000 | $121,715 | -$28,285 | $93,945 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Los Angeles and Memphis Compare
Housing (53% cheaper in Memphis)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Memphis rents for $950/month compared to $2,295/month in Los Angeles. Median home prices: $236,000 in Memphis vs $940,000 in Los Angeles.
Taxes
California has a progressive state income tax from 1.0% to 13.3%. Tennessee has no state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Memphis would save you about $3,517/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Memphis's overall cost of living is 18.9% lower than Los Angeles, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Los Angeles: 113.6, Memphis: 92.2.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Los Angeles to Memphis move. Average cost: $4,000–$9,000.
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 →