Median rent is 40% lower in Memphis ($1,123/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Memphis, where the median home runs $157,100 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $51,211 a year). Taken together, Memphis is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.8 against 113.3 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Memphis is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.8 in Memphis vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Memphis, TN
How much would you need to earn in Memphis, TN to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Memphis, TN
$60,772
You could earn $14,228 less (19% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
Memphis
Tennessee
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Memphis — median rent of $1,123/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 40% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $157,100 in Memphis — 82% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Memphis a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.00% in Tennessee; Memphis has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Memphis
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Memphis has cleaner air on average: 23.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Memphis if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.8 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Memphis if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,123/mo median).
Pick Memphis if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 23.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Memphis?
Memphis is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.8 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Memphis.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Memphis?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,123/mo in Memphis, TN. Memphis, TN has the lower rent by about 40%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Memphis?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $51,211 in Memphis, TN. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Memphis, TN has better air quality on average: 23.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Memphis?
Tennessee has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $81,029 in Memphis, TN (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology