Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Boulder, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 2.1% cheaper than Boulder, CO. This translates to saving $158 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Boulder, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Boulder, CO, you'd need approximately $148,104.641 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boulder, CO and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 5.2% cheaper than in Boulder, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,862/month in Boulder, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boulder, CO to Nashville, TN?

Moving from Boulder, CO to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $158 per month, or $1895 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boulder, CO vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Boulder, CO — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Denver, CO area

Current salary in Boulder, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $158/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.1K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$158

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Boulder, CO

Population:106K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$938K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$489K

Boulder, CO

The Centennial State

106K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 106K residents.

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: Boulder, CO vs Nashville, TN

Category	Boulder, CO	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,697/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $245more	14.4%
🏠Housing	$2,796/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $146less	5.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,398/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $114less	8.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,007/mo	$949/mo	↓ $57.31less	5.7%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$519/mo	↑ $11.41more	2.2%
🏥Healthcare	$618/mo	$607/mo	↓ $10.89less	1.8%

📦Other

↑ 14.4%

Boulder, CO

$1,697

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$245

🏠Housing

↓ 5.2%

Boulder, CO

$2,796

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$146

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.2%

Boulder, CO

$1,398

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$114

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.7%

Boulder, CO

$1,007

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$57.31

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.2%

Boulder, CO

$508

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$11.41

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.8%

Boulder, CO

$618

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$10.89

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,362

To$1,600

↑ $238

1 Bed

From$1,573

To$1,680

↑ $107

2 Bed

From$1,862

To$1,840

↓ $22.00

3 Bed

From$2,472

To$2,350

↓ $122

Boulder, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,910–$1,960/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.

$8,024

Monthly in Boulder, CO

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$71.93

Difference

Home Values

Boulder

Nashville

$938K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +18.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$695K - $1.18M

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 48% less expensive than Boulder

Calculate payment - Boulder Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$550

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

Rate difference

Boulder, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

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

Boulder, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.