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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Memphis is 69% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,123/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 98%
$51,211/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 103%
$157,100 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 565%
$1,087/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 115%
629,063
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,095/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $13,140/year.

Median household income is $52,567/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Memphis or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Pasadena?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,095/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Pasadena?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $52,567/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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