Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Carson, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 20.9% cheaper than Carson, CA. This translates to saving $1567 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Carson, CA, you'd need approximately $131,191.74 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 37.8% cheaper than in Carson, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $2,066/month in Carson, CA.

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

Moving from Carson, CA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $1567 per month, or $18808 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Carson, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Long Beach, CA area

Current salary in Carson, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.6K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $131.2K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 20.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,567

Savings

Annual Impact

$18.8K

Per year

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

Carson, CA

Population:91K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$756K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:79

Median Home:$489K

Carson, CA

The Golden State

91K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 91K 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: Carson, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Carson, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,264/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $1,613less	37.8%
🚗Transportation	$2,082/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $798less	38.3%
📦Other	$1,663/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $279more	16.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,021/mo	$949/mo	↓ $71.34less	7.0%
🏥Healthcare	$542/mo	$607/mo	↑ $65.63more	12.1%
⚡All Utilities	$547/mo	$519/mo	↓ $28.28less	5.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 37.8%

Carson, CA

$4,264

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$1,613

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.3%

Carson, CA

$2,082

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$798

less

📦Other

↑ 16.8%

Carson, CA

$1,663

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$279

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.0%

Carson, CA

$1,021

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$71.34

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.1%

Carson, CA

$542

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$65.63

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.2%

Carson, CA

$547

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$28.28

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,484

To$1,600

↑ $116

1 Bed

From$1,656

To$1,680

↑ $24.00

2 Bed

From$2,066

To$1,840

↓ $226

3 Bed

From$2,615

To$2,350

↓ $265

Carson, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,690–$3,080/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.

$10,118

Monthly in Carson, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$2,166

Difference

Home Values

Carson

Nashville

$756K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -2.4%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +26.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$700K - $815K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 35% less expensive than Carson

Calculate payment - Carson 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

Carson, 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

Carson, 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.