A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
2%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Memphis Florida National
Cost of living102102100
Groceries102102100
Health care102104100
Housing9897100
Transportation103103100
Utilities111110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment104104100
Household Items100102100
Education & Childcare103106100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Memphis, FL

The cost of living in Memphis affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Memphis is 102, which is 2% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Memphis closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Memphis can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Memphis Affordable?

Is Memphis an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Memphis is 5.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 6.9% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Memphis has a median household income of $84,915, which is 4.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Memphis?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Memphis starts at 6% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Memphis, the utilities index registers 11.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Memphis cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Memphis is equal to the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Memphis is 2% higher than the national average
  • Memphis housing is 2% lower than the national average
  • Florida general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Florida state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Memphis

See all the best places to live around Memphis

Compare Memphis, FL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$93,966$7,831$2,192$2,819
      Renters$39,950$3,329$932$1,199
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Memphis, FL, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Memphis, homeowners have a median income of $93,966. Using that number, a maximum of $2,192 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $39,950, which means there is a maximum of $932 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Florida Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Florida 6% 7.5%

      Florida Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Florida 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      South Bradenton, FL25,620928.5%
      Whitfield CDP (Santa Rosa County), FL208936.7%
      Bayshore Gardens, FL21,005955.1%
      West Samoset, FL7,448964.4%
      Samoset, FL4,844973.3%
      Memphis, FL10,9491021.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Roscoe, IL10,9531000.4%
      Forestville, OH10,9441044.3%
      Ogdensburg, NY10,940919.5%
      New Port Richey East, FL10,938955.0%
      Montmagny, QC10,961n/a 
      Memphis, FL10,9491021.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.