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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Memphis is 65% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,123/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 121%
$51,211/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 134%
$157,100 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 359%
$1,087/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 144%
629,063
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,363/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $16,356/year.

Median household income is $68,715/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Memphis or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,363/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $68,715/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

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