Los Angeles County vs Williamson County — Cost of Living
Los Angeles County vs Williamson County — Complete Cost of Living Comparison
Most people assume the move from California to Tennessee is straightforward: everything costs less.
That’s not always the case—especially in Williamson County, where home pricing has moved closer to Los Angeles County than many buyers expect.
The difference shows up less in the purchase price, and more in the type of home you get for that price plus the improved cost of living around it.
Note: Where county-level data is publicly available, it is used. Where it is not, figures reflect realistic local-market conditions in Los Angeles County and Williamson County (Franklin/Brentwood area).
Housing (Median Home Price)
Los Angeles County: $900,000 – $950,000
Williamson County: $900,000 – $920,000
Property Taxes (New Purchase)
Los Angeles County:
~1.15% – 1.25% (~$870 – $980/month)
Williamson County:
~0.50% – 0.65% (~$380 – $500/month)
Utilities (Monthly – Single-Family Home)
Los Angeles County:
Electric: $200 – $260
Water/Sewer: $90 – $140
Total: $290 – $400
Williamson County:
Electric: $150 – $190
Water/Sewer: $60 – $95
Total: $210 – $285
Gasoline
Los Angeles County:
$4.40 – $4.90/gallon
$280 – $420/month
Williamson County:
$2.70 – $3.20/gallon
$180 – $280/month
Car Ownership Costs
Los Angeles County:
Registration: $300 – $700+
Insurance: $180 – $300/month
Williamson County:
Registration: $100 – $150
Insurance: $120 – $190/month
Groceries & Everyday Goods
Los Angeles County:
Milk: $4.75 – $5.50
Groceries: $1,150 – $1,500/month
Williamson County:
Milk: $4.25 – $4.90
Groceries: $1,000 – $1,300/month
Household Services
Los Angeles County:
Housekeeper: $160 – $300
Landscaping: $150 – $350/month
Pool: $150 – $250/month
Total: $450 – $850/month
Williamson County:
Housekeeper: $140 – $240
Landscaping: $125 – $275/month
Pool: $125 – $225/month
Total: $325 – $575/month
Income Tax and Sales Tax
Los Angeles County:
State Income Tax: Applies
Sales Tax: ~9.75%
Williamson County:
State Income Tax: None
Sales Tax: ~9.75%
Example ($100,000 income):
Los Angeles: ~$5,500 – $6,000/year (~$450–$500/month)
Williamson: $0
Total Monthly Lifestyle Cost (Estimated)
Los Angeles County: ~$3,800 – $4,400
Williamson County: ~$2,600 – $2,900
Key Takeaway
Home prices may be similar at the median level.
But property taxes, income taxes, and overall cost structure still make Williamson County meaningfully less expensive on a monthly basis.
Final Thought
When glancing at listings, these markets look completely different. I discus this in my relocation brief.
But at the median price level, they’re closer than most people expect.
The difference isn’t just what it costs to buy a home.
It’s what it costs to live in it—and what you keep each month after everything else is accounted for.
Plus the average home is often larger, newer and on more land.
See how homes prices compare: CA vs TN Markets.
Want to see how financing is a factor?
→ Conforming Loan Limits: Los Angeles County vs Williamson County
Note: Where county-level data is publicly available (housing, property tax structures, registration fees), it is used. Other figures (utilities, gasoline, groceries, and services) reflect realistic local-market conditions in Los Angeles County and Williamson County (Franklin/Brentwood area), based on regional data, provider pricing, and observed market ranges.
Sources: Redfin and Zillow housing market data (2025–2026), Los Angeles County Assessor (Proposition 13), Williamson County tax schedules and clerk fee schedules, California Franchise Tax Board, Tennessee Department of Revenue, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), AAA fuel data, and local service provider pricing.
