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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Oakland

California
195

Memphis is 65% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,123/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 71%
$51,211/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 90%
$157,100 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 489%
$1,087/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 99%
629,063
Population
438,072

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $46,158/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Oakland — common questions

Is Memphis or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Oakland?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Oakland?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $46,158/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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