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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Sacramento, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

19.2% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
31.5% 31.5% more expensive housing
9.5% 9.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 31.5% more
Nashville
108
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 9.5% more
Nashville
95
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 13.1% more
Nashville
99
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 16.1% more
Nashville
93
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 3.1% more
Nashville
97
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9911819.2% more
Housing10814231.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,65019.6% more
Median Home Price$395,000$450,00013.9% more
Groceries951049.5% more
Transportation9911213.1% more
Healthcare9310816.1% more
Utilities971003.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Sacramento, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Sacramento costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Sacramento to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Sacramento524,943

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville and Sacramento → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Sacramento →

Compare Other Cities

Nashville vs Austin → Nashville vs Denver → Nashville vs Raleigh → Sacramento vs Portland → Sacramento vs Phoenix → Sacramento vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 31.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $270 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Sacramento?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Nashville to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Nashville vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while California averages 0.71%.