The American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association (ACCRA) publishes a quarterly report on the cost of living in 30 metropolitan areas in the United States. The following information is taken from ACCRA's 2009 and 2010 first quarter reports. For a city to city comparison, try this cost of living calculator.
Overall Cost of Living:
11.3% below the national average
Cost of Housing:
22.1% below the national average
Cost of Utilities:
14.1% below the national average
It is worth noting that of the 50 cities included in a 2010 utility rate study, the Memphis metropolitan area had the second lowest utility costs. Springfield, MO had the lowest.
It is worth noting that of the 50 cities included in a 2010 utility rate study, the Memphis metropolitan area had the second lowest utility costs. Springfield, MO had the lowest.
Cost of Transportation:
6.5% below the national average
Cost of Groceries:
8.6% below the national average
Cost of Healthcare:
.6% below the national average
Cost of Miscellaneous Expenses:
4.9% below the national average
Sample Prices in Memphis:
If your wondering how all of the above percentages will affect your wallet, here are the average prices of some goods and services in the Memphis area.
- Loaf of bread -- $1.09 ($0.32 less than the national average)
- Pound of ground beef -- $2.27 ($0.46 less than the national average)
- Gallon of gas -- $2.12 ($0.12 less than the national average)
- Haircut -- $11.67 ($1.32 less than the national average)
- Movie ticket -- $8.71 ($0.16 more than the national average)
- Doctor's visit -- $73.25 ($13.18 less than the national average)
- Monthly rent in an apartment -- $739 ($67 less than the national average)
