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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Nashville

Tennessee
110

San Francisco is 143% more expensive than Nashville.

$2,419/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,486/mo ↓ 39%
$141,446/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$75,197/yr ↓ 47%
$1,380,500 ↑ 260%
Home Value
$383,100 ↓ 72%
$2,620/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,471/mo ↓ 44%
836,321
Population
684,298

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Nashville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $933/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $11,196/year.

Median household income is $66,249/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs Nashville — common questions

Is San Francisco or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Nashville?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Nashville it's $1,486/month — a difference of $933/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Nashville?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $75,197 in Nashville. Median household income is $66,249/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Nashville?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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.
View San Francisco details → View Nashville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Nashville

San Francisco vs. Indianapolis San Francisco vs. Seattle San Francisco vs. Charlotte San Francisco vs. Denver San Francisco vs. Columbus San Francisco vs. Oklahoma City Nashville vs. Oklahoma City Nashville vs. El Paso Nashville vs. Denver Nashville vs. Washington Nashville vs. Seattle Nashville vs. Boston