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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Downey

California
169

Memphis is 60% cheaper than Downey.

$1,123/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 68%
$51,211/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 71%
$157,100 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 364%
$1,087/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 84%
629,063
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $769/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $9,228/year.

Median household income is $36,189/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Downey — common questions

Is Memphis or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Downey?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $769/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Downey?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $36,189/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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