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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Memphis

Tennessee
68

San Jose is 274% more expensive than Memphis.

$2,617/mo ↑ 133%
Median Rent
$1,123/mo ↓ 57%
$141,565/yr ↑ 176%
Median Income
$51,211/yr ↓ 64%
$1,187,800 ↑ 656%
Home Value
$157,100 ↓ 87%
$2,775/mo ↑ 155%
Owner Costs
$1,087/mo ↓ 61%
990,054
Population
629,063

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Memphis, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,494/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $17,928/year.

Median household income is $90,354/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Memphis — common questions

Is San Jose or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Memphis?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Memphis it's $1,123/month — a difference of $1,494/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Memphis?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $51,211 in Memphis. Median household income is $90,354/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Memphis details →

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