Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 12.0% cheaper than Sacramento, CA. This translates to saving $897 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Sacramento, CA, you'd need approximately $139,230.769 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 27.7% cheaper than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

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

Moving from Sacramento, CA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $897 per month, or $10769 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Sacramento, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $897/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.2K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$897

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.8K

Per year

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

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$460K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$489K

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K 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: Sacramento, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Sacramento, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,664/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $1,014less	27.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $137less	9.6%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $134more	7.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,059/mo	$949/mo	↓ $110less	10.4%
🏥Healthcare	$620/mo	$607/mo	↓ $12.39less	2.0%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$519/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 27.7%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$1,014

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.6%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$137

less

📦Other

↑ 7.4%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$134

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.4%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$110

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.0%

Sacramento, CA

$620

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$12.39

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Sacramento, CA

$530

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$10.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,690

To$1,600

↓ $90.00

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,680

↓ $90.00

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$1,840

↓ $340

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$2,350

↓ $550

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/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.

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$1,149

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

Nashville

$460K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 6% more expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento 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

Sacramento, 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

Sacramento, 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.