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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Memphis is 65% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,123/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 89%
$51,211/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 104%
$157,100 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 447%
$1,087/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 107%
629,063
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,001/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $12,012/year.

Median household income is $53,008/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Memphis or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Fullerton?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $1,001/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Fullerton?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $53,008/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Fullerton details →

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