Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Memphis is 21% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $58,879 in Memphis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Memphis sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $155,000 in Memphis, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,000 in Memphis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while Memphis scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Memphis (92).
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $41,228 in Memphis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.
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