Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Los Altos, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 37.3% cheaper than Los Altos, CA. This translates to saving $2801 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Los Altos, CA, you'd need approximately $116,392.705 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 59.7% cheaper than in Los Altos, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $3,465/month in Los Altos, CA.

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

Moving from Los Altos, CA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $2801 per month, or $33607 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Los Altos, CA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Los Altos, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in Los Altos, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.4K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 37.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,801

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.6K

Per year

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

Los Altos, CA

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$4.69M

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:63

Median Home:$489K

Los Altos, CA

The Golden State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 30K 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: Los Altos, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Los Altos, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,572/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $3,921less	59.7%
📦Other	$1,744/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $198more	11.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$949/mo	↓ $155less	14.0%
🏥Healthcare	$690/mo	$607/mo	↓ $83.32less	12.1%
⚡All Utilities	$454/mo	$519/mo	↑ $65.04more	14.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,345/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $60.63less	4.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 59.7%

Los Altos, CA

$6,572

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$3,921

less

📦Other

↑ 11.4%

Los Altos, CA

$1,744

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$198

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.0%

Los Altos, CA

$1,104

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$155

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.1%

Los Altos, CA

$690

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$83.32

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.3%

Los Altos, CA

$454

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$65.04

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.5%

Los Altos, CA

$1,345

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$60.63

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,608

To$1,600

↓ $1,008

1 Bed

From$2,945

To$1,680

↓ $1,265

2 Bed

From$3,465

To$1,840

↓ $1,625

3 Bed

From$4,565

To$2,350

↓ $2,215

Los Altos, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,540–$3,710/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.

$11,909

Monthly in Los Altos, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$3,957

Difference

Home Values

Los Altos

Nashville

$4.69M

Median Value

$489K

↑ +3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +35.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$4.48M - $4.90M

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 90% less expensive than Los Altos

Calculate payment - Los Altos 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

Los Altos, 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

Los Altos, 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.