Question 1

Is Memphis or San Diego cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $1,593/month less than in San Diego, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $3,001/mo in San Diego.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs San Diego?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $65,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $106,500/year in San Diego, CA — a difference of about $41,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or San Diego 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 $13,238/month in San Diego, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or San Diego?

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	San Diego66
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,783	$5,376
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,376	$13,238
Salary for comfort	$65,500/yr	$106,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$3,001
Median home value	$157,100	$848,500
Median household income	$51,211	$104,321
Unemployment	5.6%	4.3%
Housing score	65	10
Jobs score	14	51
Safety score	4	100
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	47	95
Population	629.1K	1.4M
Summer high / winter low	92° / 33°	75° / 49°

Memphis, TN vs San Diego, CA