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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Memphis is 70% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,123/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 116%
$51,211/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 134%
$157,100 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 567%
$1,087/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 124%
629,063
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,301/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $15,612/year.

Median household income is $68,674/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Memphis or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,301/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $68,674/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Huntington Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Huntington Beach

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee Huntington Beach vs. Overland Park Huntington Beach vs. Peoria Huntington Beach vs. Sioux Falls Huntington Beach vs. Knoxville Huntington Beach vs. Grand Rapids Huntington Beach vs. Vancouver