ReloMath

San Francisco, CA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Nashville, TN. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

San Francisco, CA

CA

Overall RPP (US=100)
117.9
Housing RPP
206.4
Goods RPP
114.5
2-BR median rent
$3,359/mo

California income tax 1%-13.3% (highest in nation). No city income tax.

Nashville, TN

TN

Overall RPP (US=100)
96.6
Housing RPP
105.8
Goods RPP
94.4
2-BR median rent
$1,619/mo

Tennessee has no state income tax on wages.

Equivalent salary

Nashville, TN is cheaper than San Francisco, CA by about 18.1% (RPP 117.9 to 96.6).

$60,000 in San Francisco, CA

-> $49,160

in Nashville, TN

$100,000 in San Francisco, CA

-> $81,934

in Nashville, TN

$150,000 in San Francisco, CA

-> $122,901

in Nashville, TN

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nashville, TN cheaper or more expensive than San Francisco, CA?
Nashville, TN (RPP 96.6) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 117.9) by about 18.1%.
What salary do I need in Nashville, TN if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
You would need approximately $81,934 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (96.6 / 117.9).