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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Memphis is 48% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,123/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 51%
$51,211/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 64%
$157,100 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 208%
$1,087/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 61%
629,063
Population
524,802

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $571/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $6,852/year.

Median household income is $32,542/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Memphis or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Sacramento?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $571/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Sacramento?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $32,542/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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