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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Modesto

California
120

Memphis is 43% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,123/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 43%
$51,211/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 52%
$157,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 165%
$1,087/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 48%
629,063
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $486/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $5,832/year.

Median household income is $26,688/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Modesto — common questions

Is Memphis or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Modesto?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $486/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Modesto?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $26,688/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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