salaryMemphis is 21% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Seattle to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,399
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,194
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$55,797
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$169,000
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
92.2
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,845
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$223
$109
👥 People living there
618,980
754,195
Commute to work
21.1 min
26 min
College degree
28%
68.4%
Own their home
44.9%
43.7%
Below poverty line
23.1%
9.9%
Unemployment
8.3%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Memphis for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Seattle for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Memphis | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $24,550 | $57,280 | +133% in Seattle |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,580 | $133,740 | +70% in Seattle |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,510 | $102,920 | +67% in Seattle |
| Electrician | $60,890 | $101,780 | +67% in Seattle |
| Plumber | $58,690 | $95,230 | +62% in Seattle |
| Firefighter | $62,910 | $101,090 | +61% in Seattle |
| Registered Nurse | $81,500 | $128,260 | +57% in Seattle |
| Medical Assistant | $39,260 | $61,500 | +57% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is Memphis or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Memphis is about 21% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,399 a month there versus $2,273 in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in Memphis?
About $72,337 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, Memphis or Seattle?
The typical household earns $55,797 in Memphis and $133,583 in Seattle, 58% more in Seattle.