47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
76
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Memphis wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Memphis wins 1–3 overall (76/100)
💰 Memphis is more affordable
💼 Memphis has lower unemployment
🛡️ Memphis has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Memphis — The Verdict
Memphis scores 76.8/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Memphis has a clear edge with home prices 83% lower. Memphis has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.6%. For safety-conscious movers, Memphis has a notably lower disaster history with 35 fewer declarations in 20 years. Memphis may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Memphis are 83% lower — a difference of $683,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Memphis saves you $741/month — that's $8,892 per year.
💵
Households in Los Angeles earn $28,154 more per year (59% higher median income).
📊
Memphis has a 1.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Memphis has experienced 35 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$139,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,050
Median Income
$76,244
$48,090
The affordability gap is significant — Memphis offers home prices 83% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $683,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
3.6%
Memphis has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 1.9 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
6 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
19
Memphis has a markedly lower disaster history — 35 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Memphis: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is more affordable overall. Home prices are $683,000 lower in Memphis. Monthly rent is $1,050 in Memphis vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Memphis have better weather?
Memphis scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Memphis better for finding a job?
Memphis currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 3.6% in Memphis. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $48,090 in Memphis.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Memphis?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Memphis is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in Memphis. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Memphis.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Memphis?
Based on our data, Memphis scores 76.8/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Memphis is more affordable, while Memphis has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Memphis?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.