Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Chico, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 4.3% more expensive than Chico, CA. This translates to spending an extra $320 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chico, CA, you'd need approximately $153,835.468 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 4.8% cheaper than in Chico, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,227/month in Chico, CA.

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

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $320 more per month than Chico, CA, or $3835 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Chico, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Sacramento, CA area

Current salary in Chico, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $320/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.8K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$320

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.8K

Per year

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

Chico, CA

Population:101K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$449K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$489K

Chico, CA

The Golden State

101K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 101K 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: Chico, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Chico, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,527/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $415more	27.2%
🏠Housing	$2,785/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $134less	4.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,200/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $84.51more	7.0%
🏥Healthcare	$569/mo	$607/mo	↑ $37.86more	6.7%
⚡All Utilities	$487/mo	$519/mo	↑ $32.06more	6.6%
🛒Groceries	$973/mo	$949/mo	↓ $24.01less	2.5%

📦Other

↑ 27.2%

Chico, CA

$1,527

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$415

🏠Housing

↓ 4.8%

Chico, CA

$2,785

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$134

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.0%

Chico, CA

$1,200

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$84.51

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.7%

Chico, CA

$569

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$37.86

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.6%

Chico, CA

$487

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$32.06

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.5%

Chico, CA

$973

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$24.01

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$876

To$1,600

↑ $724

1 Bed

From$962

To$1,680

↑ $718

2 Bed

From$1,227

To$1,840

↑ $613

3 Bed

From$1,708

To$2,350

↑ $642

Chico, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$1,340/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.

$7,540

Monthly in Chico, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$412

Difference

Home Values

Chico

Nashville

$449K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +8.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$449K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 9% more expensive than Chico

Calculate payment - Chico 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

Chico, 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

Chico, 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.