Living Alone in Memphis, TN: What It Really Costs
A complete monthly budget breakdown for a single person living independently in Memphis. Based on 2026 federal data adjusted for local cost of living.
A
$945/month
Memphis is 18% below the national average — a solid choice for solo living.
$16,200
Minimum Salary Needed
$19,440
Comfortable Salary
$312
Essential Costs
$633
Discretionary
What Does Solo Living in Memphis Look Like?
Known as "Bluff City", Memphis is a large city in the South with a population of 633,104 and a median household income of $41,228. For someone living alone, the biggest expense is housing — a studio or 1-bedroom apartment will run you about $68/month, which accounts for 7% of your total monthly spend. With costs running 18% below average, you can stretch a modest salary further here than in most major metros.
Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | % of Budget | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $68 | 7% | Essential |
| 🛒 Groceries (one person) | $15 | 2% | Essential |
| ⚡ Utilities | $12 | 1% | Essential |
| 🚗 Transportation | $21 | 2% | Essential |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $149 | 16% | Essential |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $47 | 5% | Essential |
| 📡 Internet | $53 | 6% | Discretionary |
| 📱 Phone Plan | $63 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 🍽️ Dining Out | $205 | 22% | Discretionary |
| 🎬 Entertainment | $123 | 13% | Discretionary |
| 💇 Personal Care | $66 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 👕 Clothing | $78 | 8% | Discretionary |
| 📺 Subscriptions & Gym | $45 | 5% | Discretionary |
| Total Monthly Budget | $945 | 100% |
Can You Afford to Live Alone in Memphis?
Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Memphis:
$40,000
gross annual
+$1,522
monthly surplus
Save 62%
$50,000
gross annual
+$2,138
monthly surplus
Save 69%
$60,000
gross annual
+$2,755
monthly surplus
Save 74%
$75,000
gross annual
+$3,680
monthly surplus
Save 80%
$100,000
gross annual
+$5,222
monthly surplus
Save 85%
$125,000
gross annual
+$6,763
monthly surplus
Save 88%
Tips for Living Alone in Memphis
- 💡 Housing: Memphis's rent is manageable for solo earners. Focus on securing a lease with utilities included to stabilize your monthly costs.
- 🍳 Food: Cooking at home saves roughly $123/month vs eating out regularly. Meal prep on Sundays is the single biggest budget lever for solo dwellers.
- 🚌 Transport: As a larger metro, Memphis may offer viable public transit. Ditching a car saves roughly $157/month in insurance + fuel.
- 🏥 Insurance: If your employer offers health coverage, your actual out-of-pocket drops significantly. The $47/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
- 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $19,440 salary, aim for $599 needs, $360 wants, $240 savings per month.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live alone in Memphis?
The estimated total monthly cost of living alone in Memphis is $945, including $68 for a studio/1-bedroom apartment,$15 for groceries, and $12 for utilities. This is 18% below the national average for solo living.
What salary do I need to live alone in Memphis?
You need a minimum gross salary of approximately $16,200 to cover basic living expenses alone in Memphis. For a comfortable lifestyle with a savings buffer, aim for at least $19,440.
Is Memphis affordable for a single person?
Yes, Memphis is more affordable than average for solo dwellers, with costs running 18% below the national median. This makes it a viable option even on a moderate income.
What is the biggest expense when living alone in Memphis?
Housing is by far the largest expense, accounting for 7% of the total monthly budget at $68/month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. The next largest expenses are transportation ($21) and groceries ($15).