Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 0.0% cheaper than Austin, TX. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $150,000 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 8.1% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Nashville, TN?

Austin, TX and Nashville, TN have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Austin, TX

Tap to swap

Nashville, TN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

Austin, TX and Nashville, TN have similar living costs

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

→ 0.0%

Same cost

Monthly Impact

No change

Annual Impact

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$489K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Nashville, TN

Category	Austin, TX	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $234less	8.1%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $201more	11.5%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$519/mo	↓ $21.86less	4.0%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$949/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 8.1%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$234

less

📦Other

↑ 11.5%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$201

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.0%

Austin, TX

$541

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$21.86

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Austin, TX

$589

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$18.59

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Austin, TX

$959

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$9.99

less

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,600

↑ $15.00

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,680

↓ $5.00

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,840

↓ $155

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,350

↓ $175

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$46.27

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Nashville

$558K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 12% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Nashville

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.