Los Angeles vs Nashville: cost of living compared

Nashville is 38% cheaper than Los Angeles overall. Nashville (TN) has no state income tax; CA tops out around 9.3%.

Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.

The big picture

Moving from Los Angeles to Nashville generally means a considerable reduction in overall expenses. The primary driver of this difference is the cost of housing, which is substantially higher in Los Angeles. While other categories also show Los Angeles as more expensive, the housing gap creates the most significant impact on a household budget. Nashville's overall cost of living is much closer to the national average.

Housing

Housing costs in Los Angeles, whether buying a home or renting an apartment, are significantly higher than in Nashville. Median home prices show a substantial difference, and even a one-bedroom rental commands a much higher monthly payment in Los Angeles. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, but the initial purchase price and monthly rent are the most noticeable disparities between the two metros.

Taxes and everyday costs

Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all generally higher in Los Angeles. A key financial difference is the state income tax; California has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. This means a larger portion of earnings could be retained in Nashville. Commute times are also a factor, with Los Angeles residents typically spending more time traveling to and from work.

Lifestyle trade-offs

Los Angeles offers a Mediterranean climate with mild, dry summers and wet winters, while Nashville experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, including more distinct seasonal changes. Getting around Los Angeles often involves extensive driving and traffic congestion, whereas Nashville's transportation network can feel less dense. Nashville generally offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to the bustling, fast-paced environment of Los Angeles.

Bottom line

For those considering a move, Nashville presents a much more affordable cost of living across nearly all categories compared to Los Angeles. The most dramatic savings would likely be seen in housing, but lower everyday expenses and the absence of a state income tax in Tennessee also contribute to a more favorable financial outlook. This shift could free up a significant portion of a household's budget.

Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Nashville home with the True Cost Calculator.

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