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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Memphis is 45% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,123/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 51%
$51,211/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 49%
$157,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 160%
$1,087/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 61%
629,063
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $24,872/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Memphis or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Lancaster?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Lancaster?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $24,872/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Lancaster details →

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