Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Chula Vista, CA (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

Nashville is 38% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,486/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 43%
$75,197/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 40%
$383,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 82%
$1,471/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 59%
684,298
Population
275,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $636/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $7,632/year.

Median household income is $29,976/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is Nashville or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Chula Vista?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $636/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $29,976/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and California?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with rent of $2,122/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Chula Vista details →

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