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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Oceanside

California
179

Memphis is 62% cheaper than Oceanside.

$1,123/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 97%
$51,211/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$93,724/yr ↑ 83%
$157,100 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$702,000 ↑ 347%
$1,087/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,232/mo ↑ 105%
629,063
Population
172,542

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
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Oceanside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,084/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $13,008/year.

Median household income is $42,513/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $702,000 in Oceanside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Oceanside — common questions

Is Memphis or Oceanside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Oceanside?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Oceanside it's $2,207/month — a difference of $1,084/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Oceanside?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $93,724 in Oceanside. Median household income is $42,513/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Oceanside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Oceanside

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines