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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Irvine

California
256

Memphis is 73% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,123/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 158%
$51,211/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 153%
$157,100 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 610%
$1,087/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 167%
629,063
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,770/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $21,240/year.

Median household income is $78,436/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Irvine — common questions

Is Memphis or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Irvine?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,770/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Irvine?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $78,436/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Irvine details →

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