salaryMemphis is 4% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Memphis to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,751
$1,399
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,396
$1,194
💵 Families earn per year
$74,533
$55,797
🔑 Buying a house
$244,500
$169,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
92.2
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,493
$1,845
⚡ Electric bill per month
$100
$223
👥 People living there
198,535
618,980
Commute to work
19 min
21.1 min
College degree
41.6%
28%
Own their home
54%
44.9%
Below poverty line
16.9%
23.1%
Unemployment
5.2%
8.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Grand Rapids for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
- Pick Memphis for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Grand Rapids | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $42,930 | $24,550 | -43% in Memphis |
| Plumber | $80,440 | $58,690 | -27% in Memphis |
| Software Developer | $107,520 | $125,580 | +17% in Memphis |
| Carpenter | $59,000 | $50,620 | -14% in Memphis |
| Firefighter | $56,260 | $62,910 | +12% in Memphis |
| Market Research Analyst | $64,880 | $71,600 | +10% in Memphis |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,130 | $39,510 | +9% in Memphis |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $65,230 | $59,140 | -9% in Memphis |
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Rapids or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,399 a month there versus $1,751 in Grand Rapids.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match $60,000 in Grand Rapids?
About $57,886 a year gives the same standard of living in Memphis.
Where do people earn more, Grand Rapids or Memphis?
The typical household earns $74,533 in Grand Rapids and $55,797 in Memphis, 34% more in Grand Rapids.