Cost of Living in Nashville

Tennessee · Population: 690,130 · Updated 2026

Below Average
Cost Index
96.3
100 = US avg
Median Income
$77K
Annual household
Median Rent
$1,586/mo
2-bedroom unit
Rent Burden
25%
Income to rent ratio
Cost Category Breakdown

Indexed to national average (100)

Housing93.3
Groceries100.0
Utilities100.0
Transportation100.0
Healthcare100.0
Economic Details
Median Home Value$414K
State Income TaxNone
Unemployment Rate2.9%
Est. Net Income$77K/yr
Affordability Score
102
out of 100
Below national average cost
Salary Converter for Nashville

See what salary you'd need in another city to match your purchasing power in Nashville.

$75,000

About Nashville

Nashville has exploded in growth as a hub for healthcare, music, and tech. Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and while housing costs have risen, Nashville still offers a lower cost of living than coastal cities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville expensive?

Nashville has a cost of living index of 96.3, where 100 represents the national average. This is close to the national average.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Nashville?

Based on a rent-to-income ratio of 30%, you'd need at least $63,440 to afford the median 2-bedroom apartment in Nashville and maintain basic expenses.

What is the median rent in Nashville?

The median 2-bedroom rent in Nashville is $1,586 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.