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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Memphis is 66% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,123/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 124%
$51,211/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 130%
$157,100 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 380%
$1,087/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 137%
629,063
Population
125,769

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,390/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $16,680/year.

Median household income is $66,492/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Memphis or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,390/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $66,492/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Simi Valley details →

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