Median rent is 49% lower in Memphis ($1,181/mo vs $2,313/mo). Buying is cheaper in Memphis, where the median home runs $169,000 versus $906,700. Households earn more in San Diego ($108,077 vs $51,736 a year). Taken together, Memphis is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 110.7 — about 17% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Diego, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Memphis is 17% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.9 in Memphis vs 110.7 in San Diego (US national average = 100)
City A
Memphis, TN
City B
San Diego, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Diego, CA to maintain your standard of living from Memphis, TN?
Equivalent salary in San Diego, CA
$90,330
You'd need $15,330 more (20% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Memphis
Tennessee
San Diego
California
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Memphis — median rent of $1,181/mo versus $2,313/mo in San Diego, a 49% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Diego: the median home is $906,700 versus $169,000 in Memphis — 81% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Memphis
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Diego
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Memphis has cleaner air on average: 19.0 AQI (Good) compared to 59.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Memphis if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.9 vs 110.7).
Pick San Diego if you prioritize higher median household income ($108,077/yr).
Pick Memphis if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,181/mo median).
Pick Memphis if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 19.0).
Is Memphis cheaper than San Diego?
Memphis is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 110.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 17% lower in Memphis.
How much is rent in Memphis vs San Diego?
Median rent is $1,181/mo in Memphis, TN and $2,313/mo in San Diego, CA. Memphis, TN has the lower rent by about 49%.
Which has higher salaries — Memphis or San Diego?
Median household income is $51,736 in Memphis, TN and $108,077 in San Diego, CA. San Diego, 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: 19.0 AQI versus 59.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Memphis or San Diego?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match my Memphis income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Memphis, TN is equivalent to roughly $120,440 in San Diego, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
