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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Nashville is 64% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,486/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 101%
$75,197/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 131%
$383,100 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 299%
$1,471/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 107%
684,298
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,499/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $17,988/year.

Median household income is $98,473/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Nashville or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,499/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $98,473/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Nashville and Santa Clara

Nashville vs. Oklahoma City Nashville vs. El Paso Nashville vs. Denver Nashville vs. Washington Nashville vs. Seattle Nashville vs. Boston Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville