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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Memphis is 59% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,123/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 95%
$51,211/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 100%
$157,100 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 277%
$1,087/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 105%
629,063
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,068/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $12,816/year.

Median household income is $51,110/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Memphis or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Fairfield?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,068/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Fairfield?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $51,110/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

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