San Diego, California and the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (or Metropolitan Nashville), Tennessee each offer unique experiences for both residents and visitors. Both offer a range of opportunities and amenities in their respective regions while being distinctive in terms of geography, climate, and cultural experiences. Herein we shall delve into a comparative analysis of the two cities, looking into various aspects such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, and many more. The insights provided will help better understand the highlights and drawbacks of each location which should aid individuals in making an informed decision regarding relocation or visits.
San Diego has a relatively low crime rate compared to the rest of California and the national average. Its police department is proactive in community policing making it quite a safe city. In contrast, Nashville's crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly for property crimes. However, the Metro Nashville Police Department is actively working towards bettering the situation. It's noteworthy that some neighborhoods in Nashville have lower crime rates so it's essential to check neighborhood-specific data when considering this area.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in San Diego is relatively higher compared to Nashville. Housing, in particular, is more expensive in California. Average price of a home in San Diego is quite steep compared to Nashville, and rents follow suit. Nashville, though witnessing a rise in housing prices, is still more affordable relative to San Diego.
Income Tax
California has a high progressive income tax system where rates range from 1% to 13.3%. In contrast, Tennessee has no state income tax, making Nashville a profitable choice for many.
Property Tax
The average statewide property tax rate in California is 0.73%, but variations exist county to county. In San Diego, it’s typically around 0.76%. Tennessee’s average property tax rate is 0.73% statewide as well, with Nashville's rate being close to the state average at around 0.75%
Sales Tax
California's statewide sales tax rate is 7.25%, but with local tax additions, San Diego's total sales tax amounts to 7.75%. Tennessee's sales tax is 7%, but with local additions, Nashville's combined sales tax rate is 9.25%.
Income
Type
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$65,348
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$43,994
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
97.9
If you make $50,000 in Metropolitan Government, you will have to make $64,556 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego is located on the Pacific coast with easy access to beaches, and the cityscape varies from canyons to rolling hills. Nashville, positioned along the Cumberland River, offers a blend of flat basin and hilly terrain.
Geographical information
Type
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
Land area
324.3 sq. miles
502.3 sq. miles
Population density
4,259.7 people per sq. mile
1,236.2 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
San Diego, CA Metropolitan Government, TN
Education
Both cities are recognized for their educational systems. San Diego is home to the highly regarded University of California San Diego (UCSD) among many other institutions. Nashville, often referred to as "the Athens of the South", hosts a strong presence of higher academic institutions including Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University.
San Diego's economy is diversified with a prominent presence in healthcare, biotech, international trade, research, and tourism. Nashville's economy, while also diversified, is strongly tied to the healthcare, music, publishing, banking and transportation industries.
Biggest Employers
Notable target employers in San Diego include Qualcomm, Sharp Healthcare, and UCSD. In Nashville, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nissan North America, and Randstad are among the top employers.
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Metropolitan Government (Davidson County), 58.5% voted for Democrats and 39.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
2020
60.3%
65.0%
37.5%
32.6%
2.1%
2.3%
2016
56.3%
60.1%
36.6%
34.1%
7.1%
5.7%
2012
52.6%
58.5%
45.0%
39.9%
2.4%
1.6%
2008
54.2%
60.0%
44.0%
39.0%
1.8%
1.0%
2004
46.7%
54.9%
52.9%
44.6%
0.4%
0.4%
2000
45.8%
57.9%
49.8%
40.4%
4.5%
1.7%
1996
44.1%
79.3%
45.6%
18.1%
10.3%
2.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
4.9%
6.7%
2.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
14.1%
12.0%
19.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.8%
1.1%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
1.1%
2.0%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.5%
2.0%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.2%
2.0%
0.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.2%
0.9%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.8%
1.2%
0.9%
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
0.0%
1.0%
0.1%
0.5%
Weather
San Diego is famous for its Mediterranean climate, offering mild winters and warm summers. Rain is at its highest during winter months, but the amount isn't substantial. Nashville, on the other hand, experiences a humid subtropical climate with all four seasons distinctly experienced. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can get quite chilly. The city also receives a higher amount of rainfall compared to San Diego.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
58.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
75.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
49 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
17.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
17.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
59.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
23%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
65%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
42%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
7.7 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Metropolitan Government, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
2018
101
71
0.53
0.40
11.2
13.8
32.6
24.1
0.007
N/A
N/A
15.2
10.5
9.2
0.1
0.2
2017
115
70
0.63
0.38
12.7
14.4
32.7
26.8
0.007
N/A
N/A
15.3
10.8
8.7
0.1
0.1
2016
105
90
0.46
0.42
13.0
16.1
30.4
26.4
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
10.1
0.1
0.0
2015
111
68
0.43
0.43
13.2
15.5
29.9
23.6
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
10.8
0.1
0.1
2014
105
66
0.44
N/A
11.6
N/A
31.1
26.3
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
9.8
0.1
1.4
2013
138
62
0.50
N/A
12.4
N/A
27.4
N/A
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
9.7
0.2
N/A
2012
110
81
0.53
N/A
12.7
N/A
28.0
28.3
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
11.0
0.2
2.3
2011
122
81
0.51
N/A
13.5
N/A
29.0
25.9
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.0
11.0
1.5
1.7
2010
109
80
0.52
N/A
14.0
N/A
29.3
24.3
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
12.2
1.0
2.2
2009
121
72
0.64
N/A
15.6
N/A
26.9
22.5
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
11.5
2.7
2.4
2008
127
81
0.71
N/A
16.1
N/A
28.4
25.7
N/A
N/A
67.3
N/A
N/A
13.4
2.6
2.5
2007
157
99
0.71
N/A
16.4
N/A
28.0
27.4
0.012
N/A
64.6
N/A
N/A
15.5
2.8
2.7
2006
123
93
0.81
0.69
18.9
N/A
27.1
24.9
0.056
N/A
64.8
N/A
N/A
14.9
3.4
2.9
2005
112
104
0.90
0.56
19.2
N/A
24.4
23.5
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.9
3.7
3.1
2004
120
83
0.93
0.61
18.4
N/A
25.9
22.0
0.055
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.6
2.6
2003
124
93
0.88
0.67
19.4
N/A
25.4
18.5
0.049
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
3.8
3.8
2002
125
92
0.86
0.68
20.9
N/A
25.9
20.2
0.039
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.3
3.6
4.3
2001
132
95
0.93
0.90
20.4
N/A
26.5
19.5
0.048
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.6
3.4
4.5
2000
134
97
1.02
0.75
22.3
N/A
23.8
19.8
0.054
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
4.1
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
169%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
296.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
17%
Transportation
San Diego has an efficient transit system with buses, light rail (trolleys), Amtrak and the San Diego International Airport. Nashville’s MTA provides bus service within the city, with Nashville International Airport providing air connectivity. Both cities are car-dependent and experience rush hour traffic, with commuting times in San Diego typically being longer.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
852
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
Bicycle
0.6%
0.1%
Bus
2%
1.6%
Carpooled
9.4%
13.3%
Car alone
81.7%
78.6%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Railroad
0.5%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
3.6%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
Average
27.4 min
23.7 min
Real Estate
San Diego has a competitive real estate market, reflecting its high demand. The market here can be expensive relative to Nashville, which has been experiencing growth and gentrification but remains comparatively affordable.
Neighborhoods
San Diego is known for its vibrant neighborhoods such as La Jolla, Gaslamp Quarter, and Balboa Park each offering unique experiences. In Nashville, neighborhoods like East Nashville and The Gulch are renowned for their unique charm, offering a blend of cultural experiences with a southern twist.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
Houses
555,456
252,977
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.3
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
237,405 (93.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
131,384 (55.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
106,021 (44.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$1,207
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$226,967
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$350,700
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6.4
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
503.7
Household income disparities
42.3%
45.5%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
32,597 (28.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
342 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
83,416 (71.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
8,009 (6.9%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
9,691 (8.4%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
0.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
20,090
State government workers
29,438
13,081
Unpaid family workers
808
668
Industries and Occupations
San Diego's leading industries are healthcare and social assistance, defense and military, tourism, and scientific research. Conversely, Nashville is most known for its healthcare industry, as well as the entertainment industry, thanks especially to its deep-rooted connections to country music.
San Diego has excellent healthcare systems, with several hospitals being nationally ranked. Nashville, known as the "Healthcare Capital", is home to a number of healthcare organizations providing exceptional care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Diego boasts an advanced infrastructure including an international airport, renowned healthcare systems, and a multitude of highways facilitating easily navigable transportation. Nashville too is well-connected with infrastructure including a comprehensive transportation network and the Nashville International Airport. The city is also looking into expanding its public transportation to better serve residents and tourists.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Metropolitan Government
TV stations
13
19
Culture and Food
San Diego's culture is very diverse with Mexican influences. The city is well known for its beaches, parks, and craft breweries. Its food scene offers a variety, from seafood dishes to authentic Mexican cuisine. Nashville’s culture is significantly Southern, with deep roots in music, especially country. Its food scene is renowned for southern comfort food, especially Nashville hot chicken and barbecued meats.
Sports Teams
San Diego hosts the Padres (MLB) and the San Diego Loyal SC (USL). Nashville is home to the Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), and Nashville SC (MLS).
San Diego, CA
Metropolitan Government, TN
San Diego, CA and 
Metropolitan Government, TN : 1,739.0 miles
