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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Memphis is 48% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,123/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 55%
$51,211/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 58%
$157,100 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 177%
$1,087/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 68%
629,063
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $613/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $7,356/year.

Median household income is $29,940/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Memphis or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Palmdale?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $613/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Palmdale?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $29,940/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Palmdale

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