Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Chelsea, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 26.3% cheaper than Chelsea, MA. This translates to saving $1969 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chelsea, MA, you'd need approximately $126,370.685 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 40.4% cheaper than in Chelsea, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $2,096/month in Chelsea, MA.

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

Moving from Chelsea, MA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $1969 per month, or $23629 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chelsea, MA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Chelsea, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Chelsea, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.4K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 26.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,969

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.6K

Per year

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

Chelsea, MA

Population:38K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$516K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$489K

Chelsea, MA

The Bay State

38K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 38K 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: Chelsea, MA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Chelsea, MA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,451/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $1,800less	40.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,716/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $432less	25.2%
📦Other	$1,710/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $231more	13.5%
⚡All Utilities	$693/mo	$519/mo	↓ $174less	25.1%
🏥Healthcare	$720/mo	$607/mo	↓ $113less	15.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,045/mo	$949/mo	↓ $95.57less	9.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 40.4%

Chelsea, MA

$4,451

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$1,800

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.2%

Chelsea, MA

$1,716

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$432

less

📦Other

↑ 13.5%

Chelsea, MA

$1,710

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$231

⚡All Utilities

↓ 25.1%

Chelsea, MA

$693

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$174

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.6%

Chelsea, MA

$720

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$113

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.1%

Chelsea, MA

$1,045

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$95.57

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,681

To$1,600

↓ $81.00

1 Bed

From$1,761

To$1,680

↓ $81.00

2 Bed

From$2,096

To$1,840

↓ $256

3 Bed

From$2,510

To$2,350

↓ $160

Chelsea, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,210–$2,210/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.

$10,335

Monthly in Chelsea, MA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$2,382

Difference

Home Values

Chelsea

Nashville

$516K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +18%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$516K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 5% less expensive than Chelsea

Calculate payment - Chelsea 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

Chelsea, 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

Chelsea, 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.