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Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Sacramento, CA

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

37.2% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
102.9% 102.9% more expensive housing
13.0% 13.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 102.9% more
Memphis
70
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 13.0% more
Memphis
92
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 16.7% more
Memphis
96
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 20.0% more
Memphis
90
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Memphis
98
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index8611837.2% more
Housing70142102.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,65073.7% more
Median Home Price$165,000$450,000172.7% more
Groceries9210413.0% more
Transportation9611216.7% more
Healthcare9010820.0% more
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Sacramento, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Sacramento outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Memphis to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Memphis vs Austin → Memphis vs Denver → Memphis vs Nashville → Sacramento vs Raleigh → Sacramento vs Portland → Sacramento vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 102.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Sacramento?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Memphis to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Memphis vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $285,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while California averages 0.71%.