Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
36% cheaper
Nashville is 36% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $47,812 in Nashville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $420,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Nashville scores 96 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Nashville.
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