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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Buckeye State to volunteer spirit? Columbus's education sector meets Nashville's entertainment industry in a battle of Midwest stability versus Southern charm.

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You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.0K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Columbus, OH area
Overall Cost
14.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,083
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.0K
Per year

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

Columbus, OH

Population:906K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$263K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:114
Median Home:$489K

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K 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: Columbus, OH vs Nashville, TN

🏠Housing
29.1%
Columbus, OH
$2,053
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$598
more
📦Other
24.7%
Columbus, OH
$1,557
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$385
more
🚗Transportation
6.0%
Columbus, OH
$1,366
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$81.96
less
All Utilities
11.8%
Columbus, OH
$464
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$54.64
more
🛒Groceries
2.1%
Columbus, OH
$969
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$19.99
less
🏥Healthcare
0.0%
Columbus, OH
$607
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Nashville, TN has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,020
To$1,600
$580
1 Bed
From$1,100
To$1,680
$580
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$1,840
$525
3 Bed
From$1,575
To$2,350
$775
Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870$1,790/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.

$7,017
Monthly in Columbus, OH
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$935
Difference

Home Values

Columbus
Nashville
$263K
Median Value
$489K
↓ -0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -2.1%
↑ +28.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.1%
$95K - $406K
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 86% more expensive than Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$4.4K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$369
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
3.0%
Rate difference

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Ohio State Tax
Effective: 3.0%
$4.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.6%
$41.4K
Take-Home Pay
$9,047/month
$108.6K

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Tennessee State Tax
No state income tax
$0
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

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:1.6%

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.

Environment

Columbus
Nashville
53 Moderate
Air Quality
50 Good
41.3%
Good Air Days
51.6%
98 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🫨🌪
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Ohio and Tennessee on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Nashville, TN

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