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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Orange

California
206

Nashville is 47% cheaper than Orange.

$1,486/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 52%
$75,197/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 56%
$383,100 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 135%
$1,471/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 63%
684,298
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $766/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $9,192/year.

Median household income is $41,748/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Orange — common questions

Is Nashville or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Orange?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $766/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Orange?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $41,748/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Orange details →

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