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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Modesto

California
120

Nashville is 8% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,486/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 8%
$75,197/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 4%
$383,100 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 8%
$1,471/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 10%
684,298
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $2,702/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Modesto — common questions

Is Nashville or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Modesto?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Modesto?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $2,702/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Modesto details →

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