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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Memphis is 60% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,123/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 94%
$51,211/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 139%
$157,100 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 284%
$1,087/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 105%
629,063
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,057/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $12,684/year.

Median household income is $71,018/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Memphis or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,057/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $71,018/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

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