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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Nashville

Tennessee
110

San Diego is 79% more expensive than Nashville.

$2,223/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,486/mo ↓ 33%
$104,321/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$75,197/yr ↓ 28%
$848,500 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$383,100 ↓ 55%
$2,308/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,471/mo ↓ 36%
1,385,061
Population
684,298

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Nashville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $737/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $8,844/year.

Median household income is $29,124/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $383,100 in Nashville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Nashville — common questions

Is San Diego or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Nashville?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Nashville it's $1,486/month — a difference of $737/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Nashville?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $75,197 in Nashville. Median household income is $29,124/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Nashville?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Nashville has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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