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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Memphis is 38% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,123/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 28%
$51,211/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↑ 25%
$157,100 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 145%
$1,087/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 36%
629,063
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $12,777/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Memphis or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $12,777/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View San Bernardino details →

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