Moving from Raleigh to Memphis?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Raleigh lifestyle in Memphis, you'd need to earn:
$70,432/year
▼ $4,568 less than you make now
| Category | Raleigh | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $70,432 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,109 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,367 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,021 |
| State Tax | -$3,188 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,961 | $57,935 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -6.1% in Memphis
- Housing is -22.9% in Memphis
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $3,188/year in taxes in Memphis
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~643 miles
DIY Truck
$3,000
Container
$5,000
Full-Service
$7,000
Salary Equivalents: Raleigh to Memphis
| Your Raleigh Salary | Memphis Equivalent | Difference | Memphis Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $37,564 | -$2,436 | $32,221 |
| $50,000 | $46,955 | -$3,045 | $39,767 |
| $60,000 | $56,346 | -$3,654 | $47,313 |
| $75,000 | $70,432 | -$4,568 | $57,935 |
| $100,000 | $93,910 | -$6,090 | $74,452 |
| $150,000 | $140,865 | -$9,135 | $107,034 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Raleigh and Memphis Compare
Housing (23% cheaper in Memphis)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Memphis rents for $950/month compared to $1,240/month in Raleigh. Median home prices: $236,000 in Memphis vs $431,000 in Raleigh.
Taxes
North Carolina has a flat 4.3% state income tax. Tennessee has no state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Memphis would save you about $3,188/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Memphis's overall cost of living is 6.1% lower than Raleigh, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Raleigh: 98.2, Memphis: 92.2.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Raleigh to Memphis move. Average cost: $3,000–$7,000.
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 →