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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Memphis is 80% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,123/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 173%
$51,211/yr ↓ 72%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 255%
$157,100 ↓ 91%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 1056%
$1,087/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 177%
629,063
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,942/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $23,304/year.

Median household income is $130,651/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Memphis or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,942/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $130,651/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Sunnyvale details →

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