Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Santa Monica, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 35.3% cheaper than Santa Monica, CA. This translates to saving $2645 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Monica, CA, you'd need approximately $118,259.792 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 58.6% cheaper than in Santa Monica, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $2,653/month in Santa Monica, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Monica, CA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $2645 per month, or $31740 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Santa Monica, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.3K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 35.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,645

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.7K

Per year

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

Santa Monica, CA

Population:90K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.46M

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$489K

Santa Monica, CA

The Golden State

90K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 90K 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 Monica, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Santa Monica, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,404/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $3,753less	58.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,982/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $698less	35.2%
📦Other	$1,589/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $353more	22.2%
🏥Healthcare	$531/mo	$607/mo	↑ $76.44more	14.4%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$949/mo	↓ $47.45less	4.8%
⚡All Utilities	$534/mo	$519/mo	↓ $14.95less	2.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 58.6%

Santa Monica, CA

$6,404

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$3,753

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 35.2%

Santa Monica, CA

$1,982

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$698

less

📦Other

↑ 22.2%

Santa Monica, CA

$1,589

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$353

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.4%

Santa Monica, CA

$531

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$76.44

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.8%

Santa Monica, CA

$997

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$47.45

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.8%

Santa Monica, CA

$534

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$14.95

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,904

To$1,600

↓ $304

1 Bed

From$2,131

To$1,680

↓ $451

2 Bed

From$2,653

To$1,840

↓ $813

3 Bed

From$3,364

To$2,350

↓ $1,014

Santa Monica, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,390–$2,980/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.

$12,036

Monthly in Santa Monica, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$4,084

Difference

Home Values

Santa Monica

Nashville

$1.46M

Median Value

$489K

↓ -3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +3.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$1.05M - $4.51M

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 67% less expensive than Santa Monica

Calculate payment - Santa Monica 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 Monica, 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 Monica, 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.