Is Nashville, TN cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 47.7% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $3579 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $107,055.838 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 72.9% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $3579 per month, or $42944 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Francisco, CA

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Nashville, TN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.6K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $107.1K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 47.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,579

Savings

Annual Impact

$42.9K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:52

Median Home:$489K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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: San Francisco, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	San Francisco, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $7,121less	72.9%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $874less	40.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$949/mo	↓ $210less	18.1%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$607/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.0%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$519/mo	↑ $71.03more	15.9%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 72.9%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$7,121

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 40.5%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$874

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 18.1%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$210

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.0%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$99.13

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.9%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$71.03

📦Other

↑ 3.6%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$66.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$1,600

↓ $860

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,680

↓ $1,270

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,840

↓ $1,730

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$2,350

↓ $2,210

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$8,166

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Nashville

$1.25M

Median Value

$489K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 61% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco 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

San Francisco, 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

San Francisco, 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.