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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Nashville is 35% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,486/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 47%
$75,197/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 63%
$383,100 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 58%
$1,471/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 51%
684,298
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $694/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $8,328/year.

Median household income is $47,032/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Nashville or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $694/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $47,032/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Nashville and Elk Grove

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