Memphis vs San Diego: cost of living compared
San Diego is 103% more expensive than Memphis overall. Memphis (TN) has no state income tax; CA tops out around 9.3%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing Memphis and San Diego reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living. San Diego is considerably more expensive, with its total expenses far exceeding the national average. Memphis, in contrast, offers a cost of living well below the national benchmark. This significant gap is predominantly driven by housing costs, which are dramatically higher in San Diego, creating a stark contrast in affordability between the two metros.
Housing
Housing costs present the most striking difference. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are substantially more expensive in San Diego than in Memphis. The median home price in San Diego is several times higher, and typical rental rates follow a similar pattern. Memphis generally features more traditional, detached housing options, while San Diego's housing stock often includes more multi-family units and smaller lots, reflecting its higher population density and coastal location.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary considerably. San Diego residents face higher costs for food, healthcare, utilities, and miscellaneous goods and services compared to Memphis. Transportation costs are also somewhat elevated in San Diego. Additionally, California has a state income tax, which is a significant factor, whereas Tennessee does not levy a broad state income tax, further impacting disposable income for residents in each metro.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. San Diego boasts a mild, Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine and coastal access, while Memphis experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Getting around in San Diego often involves more traffic and longer commutes, despite its public transit options. Memphis generally offers a more relaxed pace and a less dense urban environment, with shorter average commute times for its residents.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are substantial. Relocating from Memphis to San Diego would necessitate a significantly larger budget for nearly all expenses, particularly housing, which would require a substantial increase in income to maintain a similar standard of living. Conversely, moving from San Diego to Memphis would free up considerable financial resources, offering a much more affordable lifestyle across the board.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 78 | 158 |
| Housing index | 54 | 214 |
| Transportation index | 88 | 109 |
| Food index | 85 | 110 |
| Healthcare index | 88 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 138 |
| Misc index | 78 | 115 |
| Median home price | $178,000 | $835,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $900/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific San Diego home with the True Cost Calculator.