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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Irvine

California
256

Nashville is 57% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,486/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 95%
$75,197/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 72%
$383,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 191%
$1,471/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 97%
684,298
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,407/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $16,884/year.

Median household income is $54,450/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Irvine — common questions

Is Nashville or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Irvine?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,407/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Irvine?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $54,450/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Irvine details →

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