Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Santa Ana, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 40.6% cheaper than Santa Ana, CA. This translates to saving $3042 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Ana, CA, you'd need approximately $113,491.056 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 65.8% cheaper than in Santa Ana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $2,660/month in Santa Ana, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $3042 per month, or $36509 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Ana, CA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Santa Ana, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.0K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.5K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 40.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,042

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.5K

Per year

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

Santa Ana, CA

Population:310K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$833K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:59

Median Home:$489K

Santa Ana, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 310K 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: Santa Ana, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Santa Ana, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $5,099less	65.8%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $874less	40.5%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $211more	12.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$949/mo	↓ $90.93less	8.7%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$607/mo	↑ $53.28more	9.6%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$519/mo	↓ $38.25less	6.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 65.8%

Santa Ana, CA

$7,749

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$5,099

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 40.5%

Santa Ana, CA

$2,158

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$874

less

📦Other

↑ 12.2%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,731

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$211

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.7%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,040

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$90.93

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.6%

Santa Ana, CA

$554

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$53.28

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Santa Ana, CA

$557

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$38.25

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,205

To$1,600

↓ $605

1 Bed

From$2,255

To$1,680

↓ $575

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,840

↓ $820

3 Bed

From$3,610

To$2,350

↓ $1,260

Santa Ana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,410/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Santa Ana, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$5,838

Difference

Home Values

Santa Ana

Nashville

$833K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +36.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$679K - $1.00M

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 41% less expensive than Santa Ana

Calculate payment - Santa Ana 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

Santa Ana, 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

Santa Ana, 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.