Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Modesto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 5.5% cheaper than Modesto, CA. This translates to saving $413 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Modesto, CA, you'd need approximately $145,045.872 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 14.3% cheaper than in Modesto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,800/month in Modesto, CA.

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

Moving from Modesto, CA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $413 per month, or $4954 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Modesto, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $413/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.0K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$413

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.0K

Per year

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

Modesto, CA

Population:218K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$424K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$489K

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 218K 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: Modesto, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Modesto, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,092/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $442less	14.3%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $218more	12.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $191less	13.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$949/mo	↓ $140less	12.8%
🏥Healthcare	$502/mo	$607/mo	↑ $105more	21.0%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$519/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 14.3%

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$442

less

📦Other

↑ 12.6%

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$218

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.0%

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$191

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.8%

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$140

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 21.0%

Modesto, CA

$502

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$105

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Modesto, CA

$530

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$10.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,290

To$1,600

↑ $310

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,680

↑ $290

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,840

↑ $40.00

3 Bed

From$2,500

To$2,350

↓ $150

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/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.

$8,413

Monthly in Modesto, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$461

Difference

Home Values

Modesto

Nashville

$424K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +26.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$371K - $513K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 15% more expensive than Modesto

Calculate payment - Modesto 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

Modesto, 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

Modesto, 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.