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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Stockton

California
115

Memphis is 41% cheaper than Stockton.

$1,123/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↑ 33%
$51,211/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↑ 50%
$157,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$412,900 ↑ 163%
$1,087/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↑ 43%
629,063
Population
320,470

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
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $25,640/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Stockton — common questions

Is Memphis or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Stockton?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Stockton?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $25,640/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Stockton has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,495/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Stockton details →

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