Naples vs Memphis

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: Florida salaries · Tennessee salaries

Living in Naples vs Memphis

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Naples has a housing index of 180 while Memphis sits at 63 (national average = 100). The median home in Naples costs $520,000 compared to $155,000 in Memphis, a difference of $365,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,100 in Naples versus $1,000 in Memphis.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Naples scores 106 while Memphis scores 93.

Healthcare costs in Naples (98) are higher than Memphis (92).

Median household income in Naples is $72,178 compared to $41,228 in Memphis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.

Relocating: Naples vs Memphis

If you are considering a move between Naples (index: 128) and Memphis (index: 84), the 34% 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 Naples can afford $1,684/month, while the median household in Memphis can afford $962/month. With median homes at $520,000 in Naples versus $155,000 in Memphis, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $2,100/month in Naples and $1,000/month in Memphis, 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: Naples (128) vs Memphis (84)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Naples at 128 is 28% above the US average, while Memphis at 84 is 16% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The 44-point spread between Naples (128) and Memphis (84) is large enough to reshape a household budget entirely, especially for single-income families. The biggest category divergence is housing, where Naples scores 180 and Memphis scores 63. That 117-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 180. Median home prices of $520,000 in Naples and $155,000 in Memphis underscore this gap.

For renters: With median rents of $2,100/month in Naples and $1,000/month in Memphis, the annual rent difference is approximately $13,200. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $66,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $365,000 difference in median home prices between Naples and Memphis translates to roughly $21,900 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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