Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Memphis is 49% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,123/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 27%
$51,211/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 34%
$157,100 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 291%
$1,087/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 34%
629,063
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $17,167/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Memphis or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $17,167/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View East Los Angeles details →

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