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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Nashville is 50% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,486/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 49%
$75,197/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 38%
$383,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 173%
$1,471/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 59%
684,298
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $732/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $8,784/year.

Median household income is $28,581/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Nashville or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Pasadena?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $732/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Pasadena?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $28,581/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Pasadena details →

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