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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Memphis is 35% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,123/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 22%
$51,211/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 51%
$157,100 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 121%
$1,087/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 42%
629,063
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $26,186/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Memphis or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $26,186/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and California?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Bakersfield details →

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