Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A nurse in Memphis earns roughly $66,600/yr (~$4,126/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $980/mo — that's 24% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
TN · 2026
Can a Registered Nurse Afford to Live in Memphis?
Using local salary estimates and Memphis's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a nurse in Memphis, TN in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$66,600/yr local estimate
$5,550
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
None state income tax
-$1,424
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,126
1BR rent
24% of take-home
-$980
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$150
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$325
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$2,321
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a nurse in Memphis could save roughly $11,136/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 24% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 24% of take-home pay, a nurse in Memphis is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
No state income tax in TN meaningfully helps. A nurse earning $66,600/yr saves roughly $2,997/year compared to a 4.5% state income tax state — that's equivalent to one month of rent.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $66,600/yr — adjusted from the national Registered Nurse median of $81,220/yr based on Memphis's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Memphis for a Registered Nurse
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Midtown (Overton Park area)
Arts, independent restaurants, Overton Park, Cooper-Young adjacent, most livable; 1BR $950–1,300
Cooper-Young
Walkable, best bars and restaurants, eclectic shops, younger crowd; 1BR $1,000–1,400
Central Gardens
Beautiful historic homes, safe, walkable from Cooper-Young; 1BR $1,000–1,400
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Registered Nurse in Memphis?
A Registered Nurse in Memphis earns approximately $66,600 per year, based on the national BLS median of $81,220/yr adjusted for Memphis's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Memphis affordable for a nurse in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 24% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A nurse can live comfortably in Memphis with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Registered Nurse get in Memphis?
After federal taxes, no state income tax, and FICA, a Registered Nurse earning $66,600/yr takes home roughly $4,126/month in Memphis.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Registered Nurse in Memphis?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Memphis costs a median of $980/month. On a Registered Nurse salary, that's 24% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.