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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.2K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
15.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,182
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$14.2K
Per year

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

Florence, AL

Population:42K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$193K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:
116
(16% above avg)
Median Home:$489K

Florence, AL

The Heart of Dixie

42K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 42K 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: Florence, AL vs Nashville, TN

Housing
34.8%
Florence, AL
$1,967
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$684
more
Other
20.7%
Florence, AL
$1,609
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$332
more
Healthcare
16.8%
Florence, AL
$520
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$87.12
more
Transportation
4.4%
Florence, AL
$1,229
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$54.61
more
All Utilities
5.1%
Florence, AL
$547
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$27.98
less
Groceries
2.1%
Florence, AL
$970
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$20.84
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$726
To$1,600
$874
1 Bed
From$808
To$1,680
$872
2 Bed
From$1,043
To$1,840
$797
3 Bed
From$1,294
To$2,350
$1,056
Florence, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $770$810/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.

$6,843
Monthly in Florence, AL
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$1,109
Difference

Home Values

Florence
Nashville
$193K
Median Value
$489K
↓ -0.6%
YoY Change
↓ -2.1%
↑ +30.7%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.1%
$167K - $220K
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 153% more expensive than Florence

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
$622
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.0%
Rate difference

Florence, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

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

Florence, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

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

Florence
Nashville
57 Moderate
Air Quality
50 Good
26%
Good Air Days
51.6%
98 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🫨🌪
+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days
+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days

What to Consider When Moving from Florence, AL to Nashville, TN

Relocating from Florence, AL to Nashville, TN involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 16% higher in Nashville, TN, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Nashville, TN is 35% more expensive than in Florence, AL. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Nashville, TN pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Nashville, TN to match your current standard of living in Florence, AL.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Nashville, TN for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Florence, AL vs Nashville, TN

Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Florence, AL?

Nashville, TN is approximately 15.8% more expensive than Florence, AL overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $1,182/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 35% more in Nashville, TN.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to match my lifestyle in Florence, AL?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Florence, AL, you would need approximately $164,182 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Florence, AL and Nashville, TN?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,043/month in Florence, AL compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN. One-bedroom apartments are $808/month in Florence, AL vs $1,680/month in Nashville, TN. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Florence, AL or Nashville, TN?

Groceries are about 2% cheaper in Nashville, TN than in Florence, AL, saving a typical household roughly $20.84/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Florence, AL to Nashville, TN?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

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

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