Question 1

Is Memphis or Oakland cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $2,822/month less than in Oakland, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $2,912/mo in Oakland.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs Oakland?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $60,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $130,000/year in Oakland, CA — a difference of about $69,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or Oakland cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, the same answer as for a single person. A four-person household runs about $6,533/month in Memphis and $12,207/month in Oakland, with rent scaled to household size using each city's own bedroom spread.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or Oakland?

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	Memphis57	Oakland36
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,530	$6,352
Est. monthly cost (household of 4)	$6,533	$12,207
Salary for comfort	$60,500/yr	$130,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$2,912
Median home value	$157,100	$924,700
Median household income	$51,211	$97,369
Unemployment	4.7%	4.1%
Housing score	68	8
Jobs score	31	39
Safety score	4	0
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	47	71
Population	629.1K	438.1K
Summer high / winter low	90° / 30°	72° / 44°

Memphis, TN vs Oakland, CA