Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Bakersfield, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 8.3% cheaper than Bakersfield, CA. This translates to saving $621 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Bakersfield, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Bakersfield, CA, you'd need approximately $142,552.95 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bakersfield, CA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 27.8% cheaper than in Bakersfield, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN?

Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $621 per month, or $7447 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bakersfield, CA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bakersfield, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oxnard, CA area

Current salary in Bakersfield, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $621/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.6K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$621

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$343K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$489K

Bakersfield, CA

The Golden State

413K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 413K residents.

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bakersfield, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Bakersfield, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,670/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $1,019less	27.8%
📦Other	$1,519/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $423more	27.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,660/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $376less	22.6%
🏥Healthcare	$484/mo	$607/mo	↑ $124more	25.6%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$949/mo	↑ $37.90more	4.2%
⚡All Utilities	$489/mo	$519/mo	↑ $30.31more	6.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 27.8%

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$1,019

less

📦Other

↑ 27.8%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$423

🚗Transportation

↓ 22.6%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$376

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 25.6%

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$124

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.2%

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$37.90

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.2%

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$30.31

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$775

To$1,600

↑ $825

1 Bed

From$778

To$1,680

↑ $902

2 Bed

From$1,013

To$1,840

↑ $827

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$2,350

↑ $941

Bakersfield, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,710/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$781

Difference

Home Values

Bakersfield

Nashville

$343K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +40.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$289K - $468K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 43% more expensive than Bakersfield

Calculate payment - Bakersfield Calculate payment - Nashville

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Bakersfield, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Bakersfield, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.