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Cost of Living in Nashville, TN

By Ziv Shay | Updated April 2026

2026 cost of living data for Nashville. Overall cost index: 101 (national avg = 100).

Overall Cost of Living Index
101
Average
1% above the national average

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏠 Housing112 — Above Average
112
🛒 Food & Groceries96 — Average
96
🚗 Transportation95 — Below Average
95
🏥 Healthcare95 — Below Average
95
⚡ Utilities92 — Below Average
92
🎭 Entertainment100 — Average
100
📋 Taxes80 — Very Affordable
80

Quality of Life in Nashville

🛡️
5/10
Safety
Average
☀️
7/10
Weather
Good
💼
8/10
Job Market
Thriving

Key Statistics

Median Household Income
$59,828
Population
689,447

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Living in Nashville, TN — 2026 Cost of Living Guide

Nashville is above the national average in terms of cost, with an overall cost of living index of 101. This means living in Nashville is approximately 1% more expensive than the national average.

Housing Costs in Nashville

Housing costs are notably higher than the national average, which is a significant factor in the overall cost of living. The housing index for Nashville is 112, which means housing costs are 12% above the national average. This includes both rental prices and home purchase costs in the metropolitan area.

Income and Employment

The median household income in Nashville is $59,828, with a population of approximately 689,447. The median household income is moderate, providing a reasonable standard of living relative to local costs.

Nashville boasts a thriving job market with strong opportunities across multiple industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare.

Daily Living Expenses

Beyond housing, daily expenses in Nashville are near the national average. Groceries and dining carry an index of 96, while transportation costs sit at 95. Healthcare expenses index at 95, and utilities come in at 92.

Taxes

One of the financial advantages of living in Nashville is the favorable tax environment. With a tax index of 80, residents pay significantly less in state and local taxes compared to the national average.

Quality of Life

Nashville enjoys generally pleasant weather, with seasonal variations that most residents find manageable.

Safety in Nashville is comparable to other cities of similar size, with some neighborhoods being safer than others.

Is Nashville a Good Place to Live?

Nashville provides a balanced combination of affordability and quality of life that appeals to a wide range of residents. With a thriving job market and good weather, Nashville continues to attract new residents drawn by the favorable cost of living.

Compare Nashville With Other Cities

Nashville vs New York CityNashville vs Los AngelesNashville vs ChicagoNashville vs HoustonNashville vs PhoenixNashville vs PhiladelphiaNashville vs San AntonioNashville vs San DiegoNashville vs DallasNashville vs San JoseNashville vs AustinNashville vs Jacksonville

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About the AuthorZiv Shay is a software engineer and fintech enthusiast based in Israel, building free financial tools since 2024. Learn more
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Common Questions About Cost of Living Comparison

How do I compare cost of living between cities?

Use the free cost of living comparison tool at aihowtoinvest.com/cost-of-living. Select two cities to see detailed breakdowns of housing, food, transportation, and healthcare costs plus required salary adjustments.

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