Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Sunnyvale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 40.1% cheaper than Sunnyvale, CA. This translates to saving $3009 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Sunnyvale, CA, you'd need approximately $113,895.349 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 65.3% cheaper than in Sunnyvale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $4,110/month in Sunnyvale, CA.

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

Moving from Sunnyvale, CA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $3009 per month, or $36105 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Sunnyvale, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in Sunnyvale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.9K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 40.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,009

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.1K

Per year

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

Sunnyvale, CA

Population:152K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.91M

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:60

Median Home:$489K

Sunnyvale, CA

The Golden State

152K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 152K 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: Sunnyvale, CA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Sunnyvale, CA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,640/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $4,990less	65.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$949/mo	↓ $180less	15.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $123less	8.7%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $117more	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$607/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.0%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$519/mo	↑ $54.64more	11.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 65.3%

Sunnyvale, CA

$7,640

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$4,990

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.9%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,129

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$180

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.7%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,407

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$123

less

📦Other

↑ 6.4%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,825

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$117

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.0%

Sunnyvale, CA

$706

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$99.13

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.8%

Sunnyvale, CA

$464

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$54.64

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,090

To$1,600

↓ $1,490

1 Bed

From$3,520

To$1,680

↓ $1,840

2 Bed

From$4,110

To$1,840

↓ $2,270

3 Bed

From$5,430

To$2,350

↓ $3,080

Sunnyvale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,310–$3,580/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.

$13,172

Monthly in Sunnyvale, CA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$5,220

Difference

Home Values

Sunnyvale

Nashville

$1.91M

Median Value

$489K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +23.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$1.44M - $2.76M

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 74% less expensive than Sunnyvale

Calculate payment - Sunnyvale 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

Sunnyvale, 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

Sunnyvale, 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.