Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 30.9% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2315 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $122,214.765 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 49.8% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Nashville, TN?

Moving from Boston, MA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $2315 per month, or $27785 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Boston, MA

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Nashville, TN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.2K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,315

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.8K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$489K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

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: Boston, MA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Boston, MA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $2,625less	49.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $546less	29.9%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$519/mo	↓ $197less	27.5%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$607/mo	↓ $136less	18.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$949/mo	↓ $130less	12.0%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $117more	6.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 49.8%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$2,625

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.9%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$546

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 27.5%

Boston, MA

$716

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$197

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.3%

Boston, MA

$743

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$136

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.0%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$130

less

📦Other

↑ 6.4%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$117

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,600

↓ $1,495

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,680

↓ $1,575

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,840

↓ $2,025

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,350

↓ $2,280

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$3,517

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Nashville

$961K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 49% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.