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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Temecula

California
179

Memphis is 62% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,123/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 105%
$51,211/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 130%
$157,100 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 308%
$1,087/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 124%
629,063
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,174/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $14,088/year.

Median household income is $66,629/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Temecula — common questions

Is Memphis or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Temecula?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $1,174/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Temecula?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $66,629/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Temecula details →

More Comparisons

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