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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Memphis is 70% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,123/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 113%
$51,211/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 115%
$157,100 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 571%
$1,087/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 126%
629,063
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,272/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $15,264/year.

Median household income is $58,862/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Memphis or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,272/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $58,862/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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