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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Memphis is 73% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,123/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 89%
$51,211/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 112%
$157,100 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 760%
$1,087/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 115%
629,063
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,004/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $12,048/year.

Median household income is $57,347/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Memphis or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Berkeley?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,004/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Berkeley?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $57,347/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Berkeley details →

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