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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Richmond

California
161

Nashville is 32% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,486/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 28%
$75,197/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 20%
$383,100 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 70%
$1,471/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 37%
684,298
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $14,841/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Richmond — common questions

Is Nashville or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Richmond?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Richmond?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $14,841/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Nashville and Richmond

Nashville vs. Oklahoma City Nashville vs. El Paso Nashville vs. Denver Nashville vs. Washington Nashville vs. Seattle Nashville vs. Boston Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell