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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Riverside

California
144

Memphis is 53% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,123/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 61%
$51,211/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 73%
$157,100 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 245%
$1,087/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 73%
629,063
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $689/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $8,268/year.

Median household income is $37,364/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Riverside — common questions

Is Memphis or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Riverside?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $689/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Riverside?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $37,364/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Riverside details →

More Comparisons

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