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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Memphis

Tennessee
68

San Diego is 190% more expensive than Memphis.

$2,223/mo ↑ 98%
Median Rent
$1,123/mo ↓ 49%
$104,321/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$51,211/yr ↓ 51%
$848,500 ↑ 440%
Home Value
$157,100 ↓ 81%
$2,308/mo ↑ 112%
Owner Costs
$1,087/mo ↓ 53%
1,385,061
Population
629,063

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Memphis, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,100/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $13,200/year.

Median household income is $53,110/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $157,100 in Memphis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Memphis — common questions

Is San Diego or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Memphis?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Memphis it's $1,123/month — a difference of $1,100/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Memphis?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $51,211 in Memphis. Median household income is $53,110/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Memphis has a cost index of 68 with rent of $1,123/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Memphis details →

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