Cost of Living in Nashville vs Los Angeles
Side-by-side breakdown of rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and total monthly expenses. Nashville is 47% cheaper — saving you $1,295/month.
Comparison Summary
Nashville is 47% cheaper than Los Angeles
Moving from Los Angeles to Nashville saves $1,295/month — that's $15,540/year. Rent alone is 58% higher in Los Angeles. Groceries are 24% more expensive in Los Angeles.
$2,738
Nashville Monthly
$4,033
Los Angeles Monthly
$1,295
Monthly Difference
$15,540
Annual Difference
Nashville vs Los Angeles — Detailed Breakdown
Rent Comparison: Nashville vs Los Angeles
Average 1-bedroom monthly rent comparison. Rent in Los Angeles is 58% higher than Nashville — a difference of $1,050/month.
Annual Rent — Nashville
$21,600
Annual Rent — Los Angeles
$34,200
Cost of Living Calculator — Nashville vs Los Angeles
Adjust the monthly expenses below to personalize your cost comparison. Pre-filled with average data for each city.
Editing: Nashville, TN
Nashville Monthly
$2,738
$32,856/yr
Los Angeles Monthly
$4,033
$48,396/yr
Monthly Difference
$1,295
$15,540/yr
Cost of Living in Nashville vs Los Angeles
When comparing the cost of living in Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA, the data shows a clear difference across all major expense categories. Nashville has a cost index of 118 while Los Angeles sits at 163 — both measured against the US national average of 100.
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Nashville rents for $1,800/month, compared to $2,850/month in Los Angeles. That's a 58% difference in housing costs alone — the single largest expense for most households.
Beyond rent, everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation also vary significantly. Nashville residents spend an average of $355/month on groceries, while Los Angeles residents spend $440/month. Transportation costs are $80/month in Nashville versus $108/month in Los Angeles.
In total, the estimated monthly cost of living in Nashville is $2,738, while Los Angeles comes in at $4,033. 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 Nashville or Los Angeles?
Based on current cost-of-living data, Nashville is the more affordable option. Living in Nashville costs approximately 47% 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 Nashville and Los Angeles stack up against other US cities.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nashville vs Los Angeles
Is it cheaper to live in Nashville or Los Angeles?
KnowFinders provides a detailed side-by-side cost comparison of Nashville vs Los Angeles including rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Use our calculator above to see the full breakdown.
What is the average rent in Nashville vs Los Angeles?
Rent prices vary significantly between Nashville and Los Angeles. Our rent comparison section above shows average 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartment costs in both cities.
How does the cost of living in Nashville compare to Los Angeles?
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 Nashville to Los Angeles?
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.