Living in San Diego, CA, presents a different experience compared to Memphis, TN, and vice versa. These two American cities are diverse in culture, economic conditions, weather, and lifestyle. This comparison seeks to give a clear viewpoint, discussing aspects like crime/safety, weather, cost of living, and others to support your decision whether you consider either relocation or tourism pursuits.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
Memphis, TN : 1,561.0 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 120%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of Memphis has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) during that time.
When it comes to crime/safety, San Diego is slightly safer than Memphis. According to NeighborhoodScout, San Diego's crime rate is significantly lower than the national average. The city has several community-based safety programs aimed at keeping the community safe. On the other hand, Memphis has a higher crime rate than the national average. However, the central tourist areas are generally safe, and there has been an ongoing effort to enhance public safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,333 registered sex offenders living in San Diego and 2,628 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Diego is 1,055 to 1; the ratio in Memphis is 248 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in San Diego than in Memphis.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Diego is higher than in Memphis. Housing is the principle contributing factor to this disparity. However, income levels in San Diego are relatively higher than in Memphis, partially balancing out the cost difference. Grocery prices, utilities, and transportation expenses also generally run higher in San Diego than in Memphis.
Income Tax
California imposes an income tax, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%. By contrast, Tennessee does not have a state income tax, potentially making Memphis more attractive for high-income earners.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are generally in favor of San Diego even though Tennessee has a lower state average. Still, specific rates can depend significantly on the precise location of the property within the state and city.
Sales Tax
California, and consequently San Diego, has a higher sales tax rate (7.25%) than Tennessee's state sales tax of 7%, with additional county and city taxes increasing Memphis' total sales tax to 9.25%.
Income
Type
San Diego
Memphis
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$44,317
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$28,571
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
85.5
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $73,918 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego benefits from a coastal location offering beautiful beaches and scenic cliff sides, while Memphis, located along the Mississippi River, has rich delta landscapes with plentiful parks and green spaces.
In terms of education, both cities have diverse options. San Diego hosts several real, reputable universities such as University of California San Diego and San Diego State University. Memphis has some well-known institutions too, including the University of Memphis. In both cities, the public school systems have a range of quality, and there are several high-performing private schools.
San Diego has a diverse and resilient economy anchored in sectors like biotechnology, healthcare, international trade, and military/defense. Memphis' economy is rooted in transportation, logistics, and service industries. Overall, unemployment tends to be lower in San Diego compared to Memphis.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in San Diego are the federal government, University of California, and Scripps Health. In Memphis, FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone are among the largest employers.
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Memphis
San Diego
Memphis
San Diego
Memphis
2020
60.3%
64.8%
37.5%
34.2%
2.1%
1.1%
2016
56.3%
62.3%
36.6%
34.7%
7.1%
3.1%
2012
52.6%
62.9%
45.0%
36.7%
2.4%
0.4%
2008
54.2%
63.8%
44.0%
36.2%
1.8%
0.0%
2004
46.7%
57.7%
52.9%
42.0%
0.4%
0.3%
2000
45.8%
56.8%
49.8%
42.3%
4.5%
0.9%
1996
44.1%
78.9%
45.6%
19.6%
10.3%
1.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Memphis
San Diego
Memphis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
6.5%
6.7%
2.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
14.8%
12.0%
15.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.5%
1.1%
0.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
2.0%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.8%
2.0%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.1%
2.0%
0.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.2%
1.0%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.4%
1.2%
0.6%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.0%
1.5%
0.1%
0.7%
Weather
If you love mild, Mediterranean-like weather, then San Diego would be your ideal location. It enjoys sunny and comfortable weather year-round. However, Memphis experiences a more diversified climate with warmer summers and cooler winters, receiving all four seasons.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Memphis
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
61.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
74%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
54.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
8.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
19.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
68.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
50%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
8.8 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Memphis
San Diego
Memphis
San Diego
Memphis
San Diego
Memphis
San Diego
San Diego
Memphis
San Diego
Memphis
San Diego
Memphis
2018
101
81
0.53
0.24
11.2
10.4
32.6
27.1
0.007
N/A
N/A
19.0
10.5
8.1
0.1
0.4
2017
115
74
0.63
0.24
12.7
10.2
32.7
28.1
0.007
N/A
N/A
17.5
10.8
7.9
0.1
0.3
2016
105
76
0.46
0.24
13.0
10.2
30.4
28.8
0.006
N/A
N/A
19.6
11.4
8.5
0.1
0.9
2015
111
77
0.43
0.26
13.2
11.1
29.9
26.9
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
9.2
0.1
1.0
2014
105
75
0.44
0.27
11.6
10.1
31.1
26.5
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
9.9
0.1
1.3
2013
138
74
0.50
0.31
12.4
8.3
27.4
26.6
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
10.2
0.2
1.0
2012
110
94
0.53
0.32
12.7
9.3
28.0
29.7
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
10.7
0.2
0.6
2011
122
93
0.51
0.34
13.5
10.0
29.0
29.0
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.0
11.1
1.5
0.5
2010
109
95
0.52
0.43
14.0
10.3
29.3
27.9
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
12.9
1.0
N/A
2009
121
86
0.64
0.35
15.6
8.7
26.9
24.9
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
11.8
2.7
N/A
2008
127
94
0.71
0.36
16.1
10.3
28.4
26.3
N/A
N/A
67.3
N/A
N/A
13.2
2.6
N/A
2007
157
106
0.71
0.47
16.4
11.2
28.0
26.7
0.012
N/A
64.6
N/A
N/A
14.8
2.8
5.6
2006
123
108
0.81
0.43
18.9
13.0
27.1
26.8
0.056
N/A
64.8
N/A
N/A
14.7
3.4
6.3
2005
112
110
0.90
0.46
19.2
10.1
24.4
26.9
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.9
3.7
4.9
2004
120
98
0.93
0.51
18.4
N/A
25.9
24.9
0.055
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
4.6
5.9
2003
124
110
0.88
0.57
19.4
20.1
25.4
25.3
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.0
3.8
5.8
2002
125
110
0.86
0.58
20.9
20.4
25.9
25.1
0.039
N/A
N/A
15.6
N/A
N/A
3.6
4.5
2001
132
111
0.93
0.66
20.4
24.7
26.5
26.0
0.048
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
N/A
3.4
6.1
2000
134
103
1.02
0.63
22.3
25.2
23.8
26.2
0.054
N/A
N/A
24.9
N/A
N/A
3.6
6.4
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Memphis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
198.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
474%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
18%
Transportation
Public transit in San Diego is well developed, with options including trolleys, buses, and trains. In comparison, Memphis' public transportation is less extensive, with many residents relying more on private vehicles.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Memphis
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
852
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
52
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Memphis
Bicycle
0.6%
0%
Bus
2%
0.4%
Carpooled
9.4%
7.5%
Car alone
81.7%
88.8%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Railroad
0.5%
0%
Walked
3.6%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Memphis
Average
27.4 min
27 min
Other means
22.7 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
43.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
Memphis
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
89.5%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
7.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Home values and rents in San Diego are substantially higher than in Memphis. The higher cost of real estate in San Diego reflects the high demand due to its desirable location and amenities. Memphis' real estate is more affordable, presenting possibly a more reachable entry point for homeownership.
Neighborhoods
San Diego offers diverse neighborhoods from the bustling downtown area to the serene Carmel Valley. Memphis also offers a range of neighborhoods, from the vibrant Music District to the peaceful, idyllic suburb of Germantown.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Memphis
Houses
555,456
288,491
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.5
Median year apartment built
1980
1972
Median year house/condo built
1977
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
16.2 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
256,968 (89.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
119,622 (46.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
137,346 (53.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$760.83
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$967
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$201,932
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$142,800
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$205,904
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$145,165
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$201,411
Median house price - mobile homes
$134,064
$93,577
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$219,865
$39,582
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$170,154
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
$204,886
Median house age
42
52
Renting percentage
51.7%
48.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
1,032.8
House value disparities
23.6%
44.1%
Household income disparities
42.3%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$72,611
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$53,615
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
1,461 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
3,970 (5.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
71,386 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
322 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
5,907 (8.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
16
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
5.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
Memphis
One, detached
43.4%
61.0%
One, attached
9.9%
5.8%
Two
1.9%
2.1%
3 or 4
6.0%
7.4%
5 to 9
9.3%
9.1%
10 to 19
7.4%
5.6%
20 to 49
6.3%
1.8%
50 or more
14.6%
6.2%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
16,111
State government workers
29,438
7,650
Unpaid family workers
808
668
Industries and Occupations
San Diego's broad economic base is spread across various sectors like healthcare, education, trade, and tourism. Memphis, known as America's "distribution hub," excels in transportation and logistics due to its strategic location, with agriculture and manufacturing also running strong.
Both have robust health care systems. San Diego is renowned for its highly rated health facilities including UC San Diego Health and Scripps Memorial Hospital. Memphis is home to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a leading institution in treating childhood diseases.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Memphis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Diego typically scores higher on aspects of infrastructure compared to Memphis. The city boasts modern buildings, exceptional road networks, and well-maintained public facilities. Memphis, albeit a bit more historic in its infrastructure, continues to develop and modernize.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Memphis
Hospitals
26
35
TV stations
13
14
Arenas or stadiums
4
2
Bank branches located here
255
160
Bank institutions located here
40
33
Main business address for public companies
92
17
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
Memphis
1999
3,865
2,195
2000
2,257
2,406
2001
1,754
1,775
2002
2,118
1,444
2003
5,074
2,116
2004
7,646
3,266
2005
8,409
4,730
2006
7,551
5,833
2007
5,741
3,559
2008
2,876
1,174
2009
1,675
345
Culture and Food
Both cities have vibrant cultures and food scenes. San Diego's coastal location contributes to a myriad of fresh seafood and Mexican cuisine. Memphis, on the other hand, is known for its barbeque, soul food, and being a vibrant hub for blues music.
Sports Teams
San Diego is home to professional sports teams like the Padres (MLB) and a very engaged surfing community. Memphis is home to the Grizzlies (NBA) and a strong college basketball culture with the Memphis Tigers.
San Diego, CA
Memphis, TN
San Diego, CA and 
Memphis, TN : 1,561.0 miles
