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.
Direct Answer
Living alone in Memphis, TN costs about $2,759 per month. A single person needs roughly $47,297 in gross annual income for essentials, while $56,757 gives a more comfortable budget with savings room.
Memphis is 18% below the national average — a solid choice for solo living.
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 $827/month, which accounts for 30% 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 | $827 | 30% | Essential |
| 🛒 Groceries (one person) | $179 | 6% | Essential |
| ⚡ Utilities | $150 | 5% | Essential |
| 🚗 Transportation | $254 | 9% | Essential |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $149 | 5% | Essential |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $567 | 21% | Essential |
| 📡 Internet | $53 | 2% | Discretionary |
| 📱 Phone Plan | $63 | 2% | Discretionary |
| 🍽️ Dining Out | $205 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 🎬 Entertainment | $123 | 4% | Discretionary |
| 💇 Personal Care | $66 | 2% | Discretionary |
| 👕 Clothing | $78 | 3% | Discretionary |
| 📺 Subscriptions & Gym | $45 | 2% | Discretionary |
| Total Monthly Budget | $2,759 | 100% |
Can You Afford to Live Alone in Memphis?
Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Memphis:
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 $251/month in insurance + fuel.
- 🏥 Insurance: If your employer offers health coverage, your actual out-of-pocket drops significantly. The $567/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
- 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $56,757 salary, aim for $1,750 needs, $1,050 wants, $700 savings per month.