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San Francisco vs Memphis

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Memphis is 63% cheaper than San Francisco overall.San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 vs Memphis at 83 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing San Francisco costs 83% more.

Pierre
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San Francisco
CA
225
COLI index
VS
Memphis
TN
83
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySan FranciscoMemphisDifference
Overall COLI22583-63%
Housing43575-83%
Groceries119100-16%
Transport118100-15%
Healthcare108100-7%
Utilities125105-16%

Median 1BR Rent

San Francisco
$3,200/mo
Memphis
$1,050/mo

Median Home Price

San Francisco
$1,290,000
Memphis
$175,000

Median Household Income

San Francisco
$136,689
Memphis
$42,982

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Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis is cheaper to live in overall. San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 while Memphis has an index of 83, where 100 represents the US national average. Memphis is 63% cheaper than San Francisco overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco is $3,200 per month compared to $1,050 in Memphis. The median home price in San Francisco is $1,290,000 versus $175,000 in Memphis. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 and Memphis has an index of 83, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in San Francisco, multiply by 0.37. For example a $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to approximately $27,667 in Memphis.

San Francisco has a median household income of $136,689 per year versus $42,982 in Memphis. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from San Francisco to Memphis is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Memphis is 63% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.