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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Pomona

California
143

Memphis is 52% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,123/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 55%
$51,211/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 54%
$157,100 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 263%
$1,087/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 62%
629,063
Population
148,391

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $615/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $7,380/year.

Median household income is $27,658/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Pomona — common questions

Is Memphis or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Pomona?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $615/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Pomona?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $27,658/year higher in Pomona.
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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Pomona details →

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