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Car Ownership Cost in Memphis, TN

By Sarah Chen ยท Reviewed by James Okafor ยท Updated May 2026
ANNUAL AVG
$10,318
MONTHLY
$860
VS NATIONAL
-15%
COST INDEX
82

Direct Answer

Car Ownership Cost in Memphis, TN averages approximately $10,318/year ($860/month) โ€” 15% below the US national average of $12,182. Typical range: $6,707โ€“$14,961 depending on household and provider.

Car Ownership Cost Range in Memphis

Budget-Conscious
$6,707/yr
~$559/mo ยท 35% below average
Typical
$10,318/yr
~$860/mo ยท what most households spend
Premium
$14,961/yr
~$1,247/mo ยท 45% above average

How Memphis Compares

Memphis's car ownership cost runs $1,864 less per year than the US national average. With a cost-of-living index of 82, Memphis is positioned among the more affordable US markets, with car ownership cost pricing well below national averages.

โ„น More expensive nearby: Nashville, TN (196 mi) costs more โ€” index 104.

Car Ownership Cost in Top US Cities (Annual)

CityCost IndexAnnual Avgvs. National
Memphis, TN This page82$10,318-15%
New York, NY187$21,191+74%
Los Angeles, CA166$19,016+56%
Chicago, IL107$12,907+6%
Houston, TX96$11,768-3%
Phoenix, AZ103$12,493+3%
View all 300+ cities ranked by car ownership cost โ†’

How to Save on Car Ownership Cost in Memphis

1

Shop providers annually โ€” car ownership cost pricing in Memphis varies meaningfully between vendors; getting 3 quotes typically saves 10-25%.

2

Consider neighboring zip codes โ€” even within TN, car ownership cost can vary substantially by area.

3

Time purchases strategically โ€” off-peak periods see lower demand and better pricing for car ownership cost.

4

Bundle services where possible โ€” many providers in Memphis discount combined services 10-20%.

5

Use city-specific assistance programs โ€” Memphis and TN may offer income-based reductions for car ownership cost; check with local consumer-affairs offices.

Other Costs in Memphis

See how other major expenses look in Memphis, TN.

See the full Memphis cost-of-living profile โ†’

Memphis Car Ownership Cost โ€” FAQ

What is the average car ownership cost in Memphis, TN?

The average car ownership cost in Memphis, TN is approximately $10,318 per year ($860/month), based on a cost-of-living index of 82 applied to the national baseline of $12,182.

Is car ownership cost expensive in Memphis?

No โ€” car ownership cost in Memphis runs about 15% below the US national average, helped by a city-wide cost index of 82. The annual cost is roughly $1,864 less than the national figure.

How much does car ownership cost cost per month in Memphis?

Monthly car ownership cost in Memphis averages about $860. Households typically see $559โ€“$1,247 per month depending on size, provider choice, and lifestyle.

What drives car ownership cost differences between cities?

Car Ownership Cost pricing tracks local labor markets, commercial real-estate costs, and regulatory environments. Cities with higher overall cost-of-living indices (like 82 for Memphis) systematically see higher service prices. Local competition, climate, and demand-supply balance also play significant roles.