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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Memphis, TN

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

36.8% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
60.7% 60.7% cheaper housing
16.4% 16.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 60.7% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 16.4% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation 23.2% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 19.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities 6.7% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index1368636.8% less
Housing1787060.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$95062.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$165,00081.2% less
Groceries1109216.4% less
Transportation1259623.2% less
Healthcare1129019.6% less
Utilities105986.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Memphis, TN
State Income Tax13.30% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.25%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Memphis costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Memphis to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Memphis633,104

Moving from Los Angeles to Memphis?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and Memphis → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Memphis →

Compare Other Cities

Los Angeles vs Austin → Los Angeles vs Denver → Los Angeles vs Nashville → Memphis vs Raleigh → Memphis vs Portland → Memphis vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Memphis cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 60.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $1,550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Memphis?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to Memphis?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $48,000 in Memphis. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $715,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.