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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Memphis is 73% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,123/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 138%
$51,211/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 172%
$157,100 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 636%
$1,087/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 158%
629,063
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,555/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $18,660/year.

Median household income is $88,115/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Memphis or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,555/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $88,115/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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