Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A radiologic technologist in Memphis earns roughly $55,088/yr (~$3,413/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $980/mo — that's 29% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
TN · 2026
Can a Radiologic Technologist 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 radiologic technologist in Memphis, TN in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$55,088/yr local estimate
$4,591
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
None state income tax
-$1,178
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$3,413
1BR rent
29% 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
$1,608
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a radiologic technologist in Memphis could save roughly $7,716/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 29% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 29% of take-home pay, a radiologic technologist in Memphis is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
No state income tax in TN meaningfully helps. A radiologic technologist earning $55,088/yr saves roughly $2,479/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 $55,088/yr — adjusted from the national Radiologic Technologist median of $67,180/yr based on Memphis's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Memphis for a Radiologic Technologist
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 Radiologic Technologist in Memphis?
A Radiologic Technologist in Memphis earns approximately $55,088 per year, based on the national BLS median of $67,180/yr adjusted for Memphis's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Memphis affordable for a radiologic technologist in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 29% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A radiologic technologist can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a Radiologic Technologist get in Memphis?
After federal taxes, no state income tax, and FICA, a Radiologic Technologist earning $55,088/yr takes home roughly $3,413/month in Memphis.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Radiologic Technologist in Memphis?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Memphis costs a median of $980/month. On a Radiologic Technologist salary, that's 29% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.