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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Orange

California
206

Memphis is 67% cheaper than Orange.

$1,123/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 101%
$51,211/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 128%
$157,100 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 473%
$1,087/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 120%
629,063
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,129/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $13,548/year.

Median household income is $65,734/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Orange — common questions

Is Memphis or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Orange?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,129/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Orange?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $65,734/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

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