At the end of the day, the cost of living matters. While the cost of living is outpacing salaries in many U.S. cities, Memphis is one place where you can still afford to live a comfortable lifestyle without making six figures. Ranked one of the Most Affordable Cities to Live In, Memphis is the ideal place to make a home.
Coming Home
You can have the nicest house on the block with the backyard of your dreams.
Commuting to Work
Enjoy your commute in that new car you’ve been eyeing.
Dining Out
Order that dessert. It’s in your budget now.
Going to the Grocery Store
With all the money you’re saving, you can splurge on the fancy cheese for your next party.
Joining a Gym
Looking and feeling your best won't be that hard… on your wallet.
Neighborhoods
Safe, affordable housing is easy to find close to the St. Jude campus and in neighborhoods throughout Memphis, each with its own unique personality. From quiet, family-oriented communities to trendy areas bustling with restaurants and nightlife, the city gives the newcomer many options to choose from.
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Midtown
- Median home price: $317,000 in Evergreen; $303,000 in Cooper-Young, Overton Square, and Central Gardens; $185,000 in Vollintine-Evergreen
- Driving distance from St. Jude: 10 minutes from Evergreen, Cooper-Young. Overton Square, Central Gardens; 5 minutes from Vollintine-Evergreen
- School information: Shelby County Schools (public)
- Interesting landmarks:
My wife and I have two teenagers that both went to Shelby County public schools. Our youngest is currently in a STEM school in Midtown and it’s outstanding. He’s learning to write code for creating software programs and design web pages. He has the opportunity to complete college courses and obtain a pilot’s license while still in high school.
South Main
- Median home price: $268,000
- Driving distance from St. Jude: 5 minutes
- School information: Shelby County Schools (public)
- Interesting landmarks:
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Harbor Town/Mud Island
- Median home price: $337,000
- Driving distance from St. Jude: 5 minutes
- School information: Shelby County Schools (public)
- Interesting landmarks:
I live in Harbor Town. The River was the initial selling point. I was torn leaving the ocean and, while the Mississippi River is no ocean, it’s relaxing to walk along and the sunsets here can’t be beat. This city has a lot of heart and soul and there are so many wonderful things about it.
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East Memphis
- Median home price: $235,000
- Drive distance from St. Jude: 10-25 minutes
- School info: Shelby County Schools (public); Memphis Association of Independent Schools, University of Memphis campus school
- Interesting landmarks:
Flowers at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
We live in East Memphis. Our daughter attends a public school in Shelby County Schools that is five minutes from our house. As a parent, I love her teachers’ dedication and the many AP courses offered at her high school. My favorite restaurant to go with friends or family is Bombay House in Cordova. Our daughter loves Indian food!
Germantown
Median home price: $425,000
- Drive distance from St. Jude: 25-30 minutes
- School info: Germantown Municipal School District (public); Memphis Association of Independent Schools
- Interesting landmarks:
Germantown has very good public schools, but we send our son to a private school because of its great culture and diversity. I’m from Guatemala and Charlie is Filipino, and we think of our kids as citizens of the world. It’s nice to have options. He’s excited to return and seeing his friends and teachers.
Collierville
Median home price: $450,000
- Drive distance from St. Jude: 40-50 minutes
- School info: Colllierville Schools district (public)
- Interesting landmarks:
North Mississippi
- Median home price: $288,000 in Olive Branch, $275,000 in Hernando, $230,000 in Southaven
- Drive distance from St. Jude: 25-40 minutes
- School info: DeSoto County Schools (public)
- Interesting landmarks:
We live in Hernando, Mississippi. It’s just over the Mississippi state border and about a 30-minute commute to St. Jude in downtown Memphis. We have 2.5 acres of wooded privacy in Hernando, but we’re still just minutes from shopping and restaurants. We love the small-town feel and adorable downtown square. Hernando is very family-friendly.
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Downtown
- Median home price: $325,000
- Drive distance from St. Jude: 5 minutes
- School info: Shelby County Schools (public), private and parochial schools
- Interesting landmarks:
- Downtown Memphis Commission
- The Orpheum
- Bass Pro
- FedExForum
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Memphis Redbirds
- Autozone Park and 901FC
- Tom Lee Park
- Fourth Bluff
- Court Square
- Beale Street
- National Civil Rights Museum
- South Bluffs
- River Arts Fest
- the Edge District
- South Main Arts District
- Stock & Belle
- The Peabody Memphis
- Riverfront Park
- Memphis in May
- Wiseacre 2
- Ghost River Brewing
I live in Downtown Memphis. I love that there are always people walking around, going to coffee shops, dining out, and exercising outdoors. I love living close to the Mississippi River, where I can take walks after work. I also go to the Downtown Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning to get produce for the week.
Edge District
- Median home price: N/A
- Drive distance from St. Jude: 5 minutes
- School info: Shelby County Schools (public)
- Interesting landmarks:
Crosstown
- Median home price: $150,000
- Drive distance from St. Jude: 5 minutes
- School info: Shelby County Schools (public)
- Interesting landmarks:
- Median home price: $325,000
*Sources: Living, C., States, U. and Memphis, T. (2020). Cost of Living in Memphis. [online] Numbeo.com. Available at: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Memphis [Accessed Jan 2018]. Updated: January 2020
**The graphics are not a scaled representation of data.
Get to know the community, city life and distinctive culture that makes Memphis so special.
