Question 1

Is Fresno or Memphis cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $1,512/month less than in Fresno, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,664/mo in Fresno versus $1,274/mo in Memphis.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Fresno vs Memphis?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $98,500/year before tax in Fresno, CA and $60,500/year in Memphis, TN — a difference of about $38,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Fresno or Memphis cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, the same answer as for a single person. A four-person household runs about $9,806/month in Fresno and $6,533/month in Memphis, with rent scaled to household size using each city's own bedroom spread.

Question 4

Should I move to Fresno or Memphis?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Memphis costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Fresno55	Memphis57
Est. monthly cost (single)	$5,042	$3,530
Est. monthly cost (household of 4)	$9,806	$6,533
Salary for comfort	$98,500/yr	$60,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,664	$1,274
Median home value	$348,500	$157,100
Median household income	$66,804	$51,211
Unemployment	5.5%	4.7%
Housing score	39	68
Jobs score	35	31
Safety score	68	4
Climate score	88	100
Amenities score	49	47
Population	543.6K	629.1K
Summer high / winter low	98° / 38°	90° / 30°

Fresno, CA vs Memphis, TN