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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Memphis is 70% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,123/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 130%
$51,211/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 162%
$157,100 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 505%
$1,087/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 151%
629,063
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,457/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $17,484/year.

Median household income is $83,156/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Memphis or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,457/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $83,156/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Thousand Oaks

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