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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Memphis is 61% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,123/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 76%
$51,211/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 76%
$157,100 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 387%
$1,087/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 85%
629,063
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $848/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $10,176/year.

Median household income is $38,955/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $765,500 in Garden 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 Garden Grove — common questions

Is Memphis or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $848/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $38,955/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Garden Grove

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins