Memphis vs Chicago

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Illinois salaries

Living in Memphis vs Chicago

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Memphis has a housing index of 63 while Chicago sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Memphis costs $155,000 compared to $310,000 in Chicago, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Memphis versus $1,700 in Chicago.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Memphis scores 93 while Chicago scores 104.

Healthcare costs in Memphis (92) are lower than Chicago (101).

Median household income in Memphis is $41,228 compared to $62,097 in Chicago. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.

Relocating: Memphis vs Chicago

If you are considering a move between Memphis (index: 84) and Chicago (index: 107), the 21% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Memphis is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Memphis can afford $962/month, while the median household in Chicago can afford $1,449/month. With median homes at $155,000 in Memphis versus $310,000 in Chicago, both cities offer reasonable homeownership opportunities at median income.

Renting vs buying: At $1,000/month in Memphis and $1,700/month in Chicago, renters save significantly in Memphis. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in Memphis where costs are 16% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Memphis (84) vs Chicago (107)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Memphis at 84 is 16% below the US average, while Chicago at 107 is 7% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

Chicago costs meaningfully more than Memphis, with a 23-point composite gap that translates to real differences in rent, groceries, and daily expenses. The biggest category divergence is housing, where Memphis scores 63 and Chicago scores 112. That 49-point gap is the primary driver of the overall cost difference between these two metros. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Memphis with indices of 63 versus 112. Median home prices of $155,000 in Memphis and $310,000 in Chicago underscore this gap.

For renters: With median rents of $1,000/month in Memphis and $1,700/month in Chicago, the annual rent difference is approximately $8,400. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $42,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $155,000 difference in median home prices between Memphis and Chicago translates to roughly $9,300 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

🔗 Related Tools

📚 Moving & Relocation Resources

Amazon affiliate links