Question 1

Is Memphis or Sacramento cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $1,016/month less than in Sacramento, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $2,255/mo in Sacramento.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs Sacramento?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $65,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $92,500/year in Sacramento, CA — a difference of about $27,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or Sacramento cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,376/month in Memphis and $11,838/month in Sacramento, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or Sacramento?

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	Memphis53	Sacramento60
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,783	$4,799
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,376	$11,838
Salary for comfort	$65,500/yr	$92,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$2,255
Median home value	$157,100	$484,600
Median household income	$51,211	$83,753
Unemployment	5.6%	4.9%
Housing score	65	24
Jobs score	14	32
Safety score	4	67
Climate score	100	98
Amenities score	47	83
Population	629.1K	524.8K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 33°	93° / 41°

Memphis, TN vs Sacramento, CA