Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Pasadena, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 35.9% cheaper than Pasadena, CA. This translates to saving $2690 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Pasadena, CA, you'd need approximately $117,719.745 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 59.0% cheaper than in Pasadena, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $2,438/month in Pasadena, CA.

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

Moving from Pasadena, CA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $2690 per month, or $32280 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Pasadena, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in Pasadena, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.7K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 35.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,690

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.3K

Per year

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

Pasadena, CA

Population:134K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.12M

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$489K

Pasadena, CA

The Golden State

134K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 134K 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: Pasadena, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Pasadena, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,463/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $3,813less	59.0%
🚗Transportation	$2,000/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $716less	35.8%
📦Other	$1,604/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $338more	21.1%
🏥Healthcare	$533/mo	$607/mo	↑ $73.96more	13.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,001/mo	$949/mo	↓ $52.10less	5.2%
⚡All Utilities	$537/mo	$519/mo	↓ $17.44less	3.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 59.0%

Pasadena, CA

$6,463

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$3,813

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 35.8%

Pasadena, CA

$2,000

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$716

less

📦Other

↑ 21.1%

Pasadena, CA

$1,604

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$338

🏥Healthcare

↑ 13.9%

Pasadena, CA

$533

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$73.96

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.2%

Pasadena, CA

$1,001

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$52.10

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.3%

Pasadena, CA

$537

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$17.44

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,745

To$1,600

↓ $145

1 Bed

From$1,954

To$1,680

↓ $274

2 Bed

From$2,438

To$1,840

↓ $598

3 Bed

From$3,092

To$2,350

↓ $742

Pasadena, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,010–$3,130/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.

$12,139

Monthly in Pasadena, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$4,187

Difference

Home Values

Pasadena

Nashville

$1.12M

Median Value

$489K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +27.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$777K - $1.77M

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 56% less expensive than Pasadena

Calculate payment - Pasadena 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

Pasadena, 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

Pasadena, 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.