Quick answer
On $150K in Memphis, your take-home is $9,750/month and 1BR rent takes up 10% of that. After rent, utilities, and groceries you have $8,295/month left.
Affordability Calculator · TN
Can I Afford to Live in Memphis on $150K?
Real math for $150K/year in Memphis, TN: taxes, rent, utilities, groceries, and how much is left. No filler.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Line Item | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Gross income | $12,500 |
| Federal income tax (~22% effective) | −$2,750 |
| State income tax (None) | $0 |
| Take-home pay | $9,750 |
| 1BR rent (Memphis median) | $980 |
| Utilities (avg) | $150 |
| Groceries (avg, 1 person) | $325 |
| Left after essentials | $8,295 |
Federal tax uses a rough effective rate. State tax: None. Essentials = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries.
Affordability Verdict
Comfortably affordable
You're well within the 30% rule — room to save and spend on other things.
Your $150K salary leaves $8,295 per month after 1BR rent ($980), utilities ($150), and groceries ($325) in Memphis.
What You Can Realistically Afford
Your 30% rent cap: $2,925/month
The standard guideline is to spend no more than 30% of take-home on rent. On $150K inMemphis, that's $2,925/month.
1-Bedroom: Within budget
$980/mo
10% of take-home
2-Bedroom: Within budget
$1,220/mo
13% of take-home solo
Buy a Home: Possible
$195K median
Your ceiling ~$416K · need $39K down
50/30/20 Budget for $150K in Memphis
Based on $9,750/month take-home.
50% — Needs
$4,875
Rent, utilities, groceries, transport, insurance
30% — Wants
$2,925
Dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, hobbies
20% — Savings
$1,950
Emergency fund, retirement, investments
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Memphis on a $150K salary?
On $150K in Memphis, your take-home is roughly $9,750/month after federal and state taxes. A 1BR averages $980/month, which is 10% of your take-home. That's within the recommended 30% rule.
What is the take-home pay for a $150K salary in Memphis?
On a $150K gross salary in Memphis, you pay roughly 22% in federal income tax and 0% in state income tax. That leaves approximately $9,750/month in take-home pay.
How much rent can I afford on $150K in Memphis?
Using the 30% rule, your rent cap on $150K in Memphis is $2,925/month. The median 1BR in Memphis is $980, so you can comfortably afford a 1BR.
Can I buy a home in Memphis on $150K?
On $150K in Memphis, you can qualify for a mortgage up to roughly $416K based on a 28% payment-to-take-home ratio. The median home is $195K, so buying is within reach — but you'll need a $39K down payment (20%).