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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

Memphis is 62% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,123/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 89%
$51,211/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 105%
$157,100 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 344%
$1,087/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 115%
629,063
Population
275,030

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
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $999/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $11,988/year.

Median household income is $53,962/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is Memphis or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Chula Vista?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $999/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $53,962/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with rent of $2,122/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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