Nashville vs Sacramento: cost of living compared
Sacramento is 19% more expensive than Nashville 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
Comparing Nashville and Sacramento reveals a clear difference in overall cost of living. Sacramento is noticeably more expensive than Nashville, driven primarily by higher housing costs. Beyond housing, nearly all other major spending categories also contribute to Sacramento's higher price tag, making it a more costly place to live across the board. This general trend impacts a wide range of household budgets.
Housing
Housing presents a significant cost disparity between these two metros. Both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment are higher in Sacramento. While both cities offer a mix of housing types, Sacramento's market reflects California's generally higher real estate values. Potential homeowners should also consider that property taxes and insurance costs can vary, adding to the overall expense of ownership.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show a consistent pattern of higher costs in Sacramento. Transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all more expensive there. A major financial difference is California's state income tax, which is absent in Tennessee, impacting take-home pay. This means that even beyond housing, everyday spending on essentials will generally require a larger portion of one's income in Sacramento.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these cities means adjusting to different environments. Nashville offers a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, while Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Both metros are car-dependent, with similar average commute times. Sacramento, as a state capital, might feel somewhat more dense, while Nashville has a reputation for its vibrant music scene and southern charm.
Bottom line
For a household budget, moving from Nashville to Sacramento generally means a substantial increase in expenses across almost all categories, with housing being the most significant factor. The absence of state income tax in Tennessee also provides a notable financial advantage. Conversely, moving from Sacramento to Nashville would likely result in considerable savings on overall living costs, offering more financial flexibility.
| Measure | Nashville, TN | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 128 |
| Housing index | 119 | 132 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 110 |
| Food index | 98 | 108 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 125 |
| Misc index | 95 | 105 |
| Median home price | $438,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Average commute | 29 min | 30 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Sacramento home with the True Cost Calculator.