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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Torrance

California
218

Memphis is 69% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,123/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 97%
$51,211/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 121%
$157,100 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 560%
$1,087/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 111%
629,063
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,091/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $13,092/year.

Median household income is $61,894/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Torrance — common questions

Is Memphis or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Torrance?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $1,091/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Torrance?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $61,894/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

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