Median rent is 45% lower in Memphis ($1,123/mo vs $2,034/mo). Buying is cheaper in Memphis, where the median home runs $157,100 versus $930,200. Households earn more in Temple City ($102,449 vs $51,211 a year). Taken together, Memphis is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.8 against 92.0 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Temple City, CA.
City A
Memphis, TN
City B
Temple City, CA
How much would you need to earn in Temple City, CA to maintain your standard of living from Memphis, TN?
Equivalent salary in Temple City, CA
$75,129
You'd need $129 more (0% higher).
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
Memphis
Tennessee
Temple City
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: 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 $2,034/mo in Temple City, a 45% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Temple City: the median home is $930,200 versus $157,100 in Memphis — 83% more expensive.
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 7.00% in Tennessee and 7.25% in California; Memphis has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Memphis
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Temple City
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Memphis (avg AQI 23.0) but not yet for Temple City.
Pick Temple City if you prioritize higher median household income ($102,449/yr).
Pick Memphis if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,123/mo median).
Pick Memphis if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Memphis cheaper than Temple City?
Memphis is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.8 versus 92.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Memphis.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Temple City?
Median rent is $1,123/mo in Memphis, TN and $2,034/mo in Temple City, CA. Memphis, TN has the lower rent by about 45%.
Which has higher salaries — Memphis or Temple City?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis, TN and $102,449 in Temple City, CA. Temple City, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Memphis or Temple City?
Tennessee has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Temple City to match my Memphis income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Memphis, TN is equivalent to roughly $100,172 in Temple City, CA (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