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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Fontana

California
146

Memphis is 53% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,123/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 54%
$51,211/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 92%
$157,100 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 256%
$1,087/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 83%
629,063
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $610/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $7,320/year.

Median household income is $46,976/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Fontana — common questions

Is Memphis or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Fontana?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $610/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Fontana?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $46,976/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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