Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Nashville, TN (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Nashville

Tennessee
110

Los Angeles is 70% more expensive than Nashville.

$1,879/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,486/mo ↓ 21%
$80,366/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$75,197/yr ↓ 6%
$879,500 ↑ 130%
Home Value
$383,100 ↓ 56%
$2,055/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,471/mo ↓ 28%
3,857,897
Population
684,298

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Nashville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $5,169/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $383,100 in Nashville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Nashville — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Nashville?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Nashville it's $1,486/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Nashville?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $75,197 in Nashville. Median household income is $5,169/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Nashville?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Nashville has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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