Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Fairfield, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 32.0% cheaper than Fairfield, CA. This translates to saving $2400 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fairfield, CA, you'd need approximately $121,197.696 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 53.2% cheaper than in Fairfield, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,701/month in Fairfield, CA.

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

Moving from Fairfield, CA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $2400 per month, or $28802 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Fairfield, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area

Current salary in Fairfield, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.2K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 32.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,400

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.8K

Per year

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

Fairfield, CA

Population:121K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$528K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:68

Median Home:$489K

Fairfield, CA

The Golden State

121K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 121K 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: Fairfield, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Fairfield, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,668/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $3,018less	53.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,981/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $697less	35.2%
📦Other	$1,721/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $221more	12.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,111/mo	$949/mo	↓ $161less	14.5%
⚡All Utilities	$429/mo	$519/mo	↑ $89.79more	20.9%
🏥Healthcare	$677/mo	$607/mo	↓ $69.57less	10.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 53.2%

Fairfield, CA

$5,668

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$3,018

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 35.2%

Fairfield, CA

$1,981

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$697

less

📦Other

↑ 12.8%

Fairfield, CA

$1,721

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$221

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.5%

Fairfield, CA

$1,111

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$161

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 20.9%

Fairfield, CA

$429

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$89.79

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.3%

Fairfield, CA

$677

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$69.57

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,217

To$1,600

↑ $383

1 Bed

From$1,334

To$1,680

↑ $346

2 Bed

From$1,701

To$1,840

↑ $139

3 Bed

From$2,279

To$2,350

↑ $71.00

Fairfield, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,710–$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.

$11,588

Monthly in Fairfield, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$3,636

Difference

Home Values

Fairfield

Nashville

$528K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +15.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$528K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 7% less expensive than Fairfield

Calculate payment - Fairfield 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

Fairfield, 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

Fairfield, 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.