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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Fresno

California
101

Memphis is 33% cheaper than Fresno.

$1,123/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↑ 18%
$51,211/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↑ 30%
$157,100 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$348,500 ↑ 122%
$1,087/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↑ 28%
629,063
Population
543,615

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $15,593/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Fresno — common questions

Is Memphis or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Fresno?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Fresno?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $15,593/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Fresno details →

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