Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Memphis, TN (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Memphis

Tennessee
68

Los Angeles is 175% more expensive than Memphis.

$1,879/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,123/mo ↓ 40%
$80,366/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$51,211/yr ↓ 36%
$879,500 ↑ 460%
Home Value
$157,100 ↓ 82%
$2,055/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,087/mo ↓ 47%
3,857,897
Population
629,063

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Memphis, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $756/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $9,072/year.

Median household income is $29,155/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $157,100 in Memphis.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Memphis — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Memphis?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Memphis it's $1,123/month — a difference of $756/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Memphis?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $51,211 in Memphis. Median household income is $29,155/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Memphis has a cost index of 68 with rent of $1,123/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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