Cost of Living in Los Angeles vs Nashville
Side-by-side breakdown of rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and total monthly expenses. Nashville is 32% cheaper — saving you $1,295/month.
Comparison Summary
Nashville is 32% cheaper than Los Angeles
Moving from Los Angeles to Nashville saves $1,295/month — that's $15,540/year. Rent alone is 37% lower in Nashville. Groceries are 19% less expensive in Nashville.
$4,033
Los Angeles Monthly
$2,738
Nashville Monthly
$1,295
Monthly Difference
$15,540
Annual Difference
Los Angeles vs Nashville — Detailed Breakdown
Rent Comparison: Los Angeles vs Nashville
Average 1-bedroom monthly rent comparison. Rent in Nashville is 37% lower than Los Angeles — a difference of $1,050/month.
Annual Rent — Los Angeles
$34,200
Annual Rent — Nashville
$21,600
Cost of Living Calculator — Los Angeles vs Nashville
Adjust the monthly expenses below to personalize your cost comparison. Pre-filled with average data for each city.
Editing: Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Monthly
$4,033
$48,396/yr
Nashville Monthly
$2,738
$32,856/yr
Monthly Difference
$1,295
$15,540/yr
Cost of Living in Los Angeles vs Nashville
When comparing the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA and Nashville, TN, the data shows a clear difference across all major expense categories. Los Angeles has a cost index of 163 while Nashville sits at 118 — both measured against the US national average of 100.
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles rents for $2,850/month, compared to $1,800/month in Nashville. That's a 37% difference in housing costs alone — the single largest expense for most households.
Beyond rent, everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation also vary significantly. Los Angeles residents spend an average of $440/month on groceries, while Nashville residents spend $355/month. Transportation costs are $108/month in Los Angeles versus $80/month in Nashville.
In total, the estimated monthly cost of living in Los Angeles is $4,033, while Nashville comes in at $2,738. Over a full year, that gap amounts to $15,540 — a meaningful figure for anyone planning a relocation or comparing job offers across these two cities.
Is it Cheaper to Live in Los Angeles or Nashville?
Based on current cost-of-living data, Nashville is the more affordable option. Living in Nashville costs approximately 32% less per month than Los Angeles, saving residents around $1,295/month or $15,540/year.
Housing is typically the biggest driver of this difference. The lower rent in Nashville ($1,800/month) compared to Los Angeles ($2,850/month) accounts for a significant portion of the overall savings. Utilities and groceries also tend to be lower in Nashville.
That said, cost of living is only one factor in a relocation decision. Job market conditions, salary levels, quality of life, climate, and proximity to family all play important roles. Use the calculator above to personalize these numbers based on your actual spending habits — the default figures are city averages and your individual costs may vary.
For a broader comparison, explore our City vs City Comparison Tool or check the Rent Comparison Tool to see how Los Angeles and Nashville stack up against other US cities.
Frequently Asked Questions: Los Angeles vs Nashville
Is it cheaper to live in Los Angeles or Nashville?
KnowFinders provides a detailed side-by-side cost comparison of Los Angeles vs Nashville including rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Use our calculator above to see the full breakdown.
What is the average rent in Los Angeles vs Nashville?
Rent prices vary significantly between Los Angeles and Nashville. Our rent comparison section above shows average 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartment costs in both cities.
How does the cost of living in Los Angeles compare to Nashville?
The cost of living comparison covers housing, food, transportation, utilities, and healthcare. Scroll through the comparison table above for a complete category-by-category breakdown.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Nashville?
Moving decisions depend on your income, lifestyle, and priorities. Use our cost calculator to estimate your monthly expenses in both cities and consult with a local realtor for personalized advice.