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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Memphis is 50% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,123/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 64%
$51,211/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 65%
$157,100 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 204%
$1,087/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 65%
629,063
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $719/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $8,628/year.

Median household income is $33,406/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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 Maria — common questions

Is Memphis or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $719/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $33,406/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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