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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Downey

California
169

Nashville is 35% cheaper than Downey.

$1,486/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 27%
$75,197/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 16%
$383,100 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 90%
$1,471/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 36%
684,298
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $12,203/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Downey — common questions

Is Nashville or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Downey?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Downey?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $12,203/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Downey details →

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