About Memphis - TN
Memphis is located in Tennessee and is one of this state’s most popular destinations for students. Here is a breakdown of the proportion of international students by level of study in Memphis - TN:
Total number of international students: 7,713
Undergraduate: 3,148
Postgraduate and Research: 4,565
Memphis - TN has an estimated 11.6% of international students, above the USA’s national average. The city is home to the University of Memphis, which, according to the QS World Rankings of 2024, ranks #1201-1400 worldwide.
Popular Student Areas in Memphis - TN
Popular Memphis - TN areas amongst university students are Midtown, Cooper-Young , Downtown Memphis, and Bluff City . There are a few things to remember while searching for the perfect student area to stay in, including transportation, cost, and amenities.
1. Students living in Midtown will be near the University of Memphis, and purpose-built student apartments would cost around $400-$800/month.
Travel time from Midtown to Memphis - TN Downtown, by different modes of transportation:
Bus - 15-20 minutes
Taxi - 10-15 minutes
Walking - 40-45 minutes
2. Students living in Cooper-Young will be near Rhodes College, and purpose-built student apartments would cost around $500-$900/month.
Travel time from Cooper-Young to Memphis - TN Downtown by different modes of transportation:
Bus - 20-25 minutes
Taxi - 15-20 minutes
Walking - 50-55 minutes
3. Students living in Downtown Memphis will be near the University of Memphis Law School, and purpose-built student apartments would cost around $600-$1,000/month.
Travel time from East Arlington to Memphis - TN Downtown by different modes of transportation:
Bus - 5-10 minutes
4. Students living in Bluff City will be near Christian Brothers University, and purpose-built student apartments would cost around $350-$700/month.
Travel time from Bluff City to Memphis - TN Downtown by different modes of transportation:
Bus - 25-30 minutes
Taxi - 20-25 minutes
Best Student Off-Campus Housings in Memphis - TN
Memphis - TN has a variety of student room options, and students can explore different areas of the city in proximity to their universities and budgets.
Discover Student Room Types in Memphis - TN
The purpose-built student housing in Memphis - TN, typically includes various amenities in the bills; it varies according to the provider's terms and conditions. But broadly, we suggest a student should consider budget, needs, and preferences while making decisions.
Here, we have categorised the room types below based on preferences and budgets to help you decide.
Type 1: Affordable off-campus student housing in Memphis - TN:
These cost around $200-$350/month (lowest range) on average and are recommended for students who are comfortable sharing space. Typically, such properties are houses or apartments.
Shared room
Amenities: Self-contained apartment with multiple bedrooms, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Midtown avg. Rent: $400-$600/month
Cooper-Young avg. Rent: $500-$700/month
Downtown Memphis avg. Rent: $600-$800/month
Bluff City avg. Rent: $350-$550/month
Triple/ Quadruple rooms
Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Midtown avg. Rent: $300-$500/month
Cooper-Young avg. Rent: $350-$600/month
Downtown Memphis avg. Rent: $400-$700/month
Bluff City avg. Rent: $250-$450/month
Entire place
Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Midtown avg. Rent: $1,200-$2,500/month
Cooper-Young avg. Rent: $1,500-$3,000/month
Downtown Memphis avg. Rent: $1,800-$4,000/ month
Bluff City avg. Rent: $1,000-$2,000/month
Type 2: Affordable off-campus student apartments in Memphis - TN with privacy: These rooms cost around $350-$550/month
Single Room
Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Midtown avg. Rent: $400-$800/month
Cooper-Young avg. Rent: $500-$900/month
Downtown Memphis avg. Rent: $600-$1,000/month
Bluff City avg. Rent: $350-$700/month
Flatshare
Amenities: Private Bedroom in a shared house or flat, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Midtown avg. Rent: $300-$600/month
Cooper-Young avg. Rent: $350-$700/month
Downtown Memphis avg. Rent: $400-$800/month
Bluff City avg. Rent: $250-$550/month
Recommended flatshare: Yugo Memphis Stratum
Double Rooms
Amenities: One bedroom with double bed, shared bathroom, shared kitchen
Midtown avg. Rent: $350-$700/month
Cooper-Young avg. Rent: $400-$800/month
Downtown Memphis avg. Rent: $450-$900/month
Bluff City avg. Rent: $250-$600/month
Room Type 3: Memphis - TN Off-campus student rooms with privacy, quiet space, and near the Downtown cost around $500-$700 (on average)/month.
Student Flats
Amenities: Private bedroom, private bathroom, private kitchen
Midtown avg. Rent: $500-$1,000/month
Cooper-Young avg. Rent: $600-$1,200/month
Downtown Memphis avg. Rent: $700-$1,400/month
Bluff City avg. Rent: $400-$800/month
Recommended flat: Yugo Memphis Stratum
Student En-Suite Rooms
Amenities: Single bedroom, Private bathroom, shared kitchen
Midtown avg. Rent: $600-$1,200/month
Cooper-Young avg. Rent: $700-$1,400/month
Downtown Memphis avg. Rent: $800-$1,600/month
Bluff City avg. Rent: $500-$900/month
Recommended en-suite rooms: Yugo Memphis Stratum and Memphis Southern.
Student Studios
Amenities: private bedroom, Private bathroom, private kitchen
Midtown avg. Rent: $700-$1,400/month
Cooper-Young avg. Rent: $800-$1,600/month
Downtown Memphis avg. Rent: $900-$1,800/month
Bluff City avg. Rent: $600-$1,000/month
Recommended studio rooms: Yugo Memphis Stratum and Memphis Southern.
Room Type 4: Students who prefer amenities over budget
Student penthouses in Memphis - TN cost around $1,600 - $4,000/month.
These are suitable for students who prefer to have private bedrooms, a private balcony, a terrace, privacy, spacious rooms, and a top floor that is more over budget.
Cost of Living in Memphis - TN for Students
It varies depending on students’ lifestyle choices, but overall, keeping your Memphis - TN, student housing rent apart, additional expenses are estimated to be around $530 to $2,800. We have curated a list of such necessary items along with some tips to help you reduce the cost of living in Memphis - TN as a student:
Food Expenses: $300-$350 /month on average.
We suggest buying groceries that cost around US$250/month and cooking your own meals.
Shop from grocery stores that offer student discounts on grocery items.
Aldi: Store available in Memphis - TN which is popular for rock-bottom prices on grocery items. You can expect to spend US$75-US$100 per month there.
Kroger: This brand is Memphis’ largest grocery chain, which runs weekly discounts as well as student discounts. You can set a monthly budget of $100-$125.
Costco: This brand is ideal for bulk buying; you can set a budget of $50-$75 per month.
Food4Less: This is another great affordable brand where you can make use of weekly deals as well as their affordable private brands. You can set a monthly budget there for $80-$100 per month.
Transportation Expenses: $20-$50/month on average (as a student). Tips to save some money on daily transportation in Memphis - TN, while living as a college student. According to your preferences and the university's distance from your residence, you may choose whichever option suits you.
Rent Bicycles: A few companies offer docked bike sharing and dockless bike sharing at discounted prices for students. The most popular are Zagster, Bird, and Lime, some of which have a bike-sharing scheme of as little as $7 a month.
Buses & Metro Passes: You can use Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA)’s U-Pass, which provides a discounted travel pass for ($44.60/month). Just make sure you have your student pass with you when needed.
Trains: Amtrak Intercity trains connect major cities across the country and can be a good option for weekend tours. It offers student discounts for people aged between 12-25 years. Amtrak also has discounts on weekend trips.
Ridesharing: As an alternative to taxis, companies like Uber and Lyft offer student discounts. Just ensure that their services are available in Memphis - TN
Carpooling: Some universities and colleges offer carpool matching programmes for students.
Electric Scooters: These are a flexible option for short trips within the city. Many companies, such as Bird or Lime, offer electric scooter-sharing services in Memphis - TN.
Kitchen Essentials: cost you between US$140 - US$300. However, it depends on your student room, regardless of whether on-campus and off-campus apartments include kitchen essentials in the rent or not. Checking the property page you are interested in is recommended. Costs may vary according to the city.
Basic cookware set (pots, pans, skillet): $20-$40
Utensils (spatulas, spoons, forks, knives): $10-$20
Plates, bowls, mugs: $5-$15
Cutting board, knives: $10-$20
Small appliances (microwave, toaster, coffee maker): $85-$180 (for all of these items combined)
Tips for international students to save money on Kitchen essentials
Thrift stores and consignment shops
Reuse utensils of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their utensils or lend them to you.
Online marketplaces are helpful for buying items at affordable prices and second-hand items. Checking the item personally is recommended.
Check if your university has any college campus rental programmes for kitchen utensils.
Search for appliance rental companies nearby in the city to rent out kitchen essentials.
Cook in groups: If you are a group of students moving together, divide the selected rental utensil bill with them. It will reduce the cost way more than expected.
Bedding, Bathroom, and Cleaning Essentials: approximately cost you around US $175-$350.
Bedding Essentials would cost you approximately $100-$200
including
Mattress and box spring: $150-$300(Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended.)
Comforter: $20-$40 (Some properties already include it in rent; checking before buying yourself is recommended.)
Sheets: $10-$20
Pillows: $5-$10
Blanket: $10-$20
Bathroom Essentials would cost you approximately $50-$100
Including
Toothbrush: $2-$8
Toothpaste:$2-$7
Bar soap: $1-$4
Body wash: $3-$12
Shampoo and conditioner: $5-$20
Razor:$5-$15
Shaving cream: $2-$7
Towel:$2-$8
Cleaning Essentials would cost you approximately US$25–US$50.
Including the items shared below. Generally, cleaning essentials are required for living in studio apartments and private rooms.
Dish soap: $1-$5 (Concentrated formulas)
Sponges: $1-$7
Trash bags: $3-$7 for a large roll
Laundry detergent: $5-$12 (Arm & Hammer or Seventh Generation detergents)
Cleaning wipes: $2-$7 for a pack
All-purpose cleaner:$2-$8
Toilet bowl cleaner: $2-$5
Mop and bucket: $5-$15
Tips for international students to save money on Bedding & Bathroom essentials
Shop during sales, promotions on special occasions
Buy in bulk from the stores that offer student discounts.
Reuse the bedding essentials of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their bedding essentials.
