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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Speedway to songwriter's row? The Midwest's racing capital and the South's music hub both offer affordable living, but their industry focuses create different opportunities.

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You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.6K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN area
Overall Cost
18.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,379
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$16.6K
Per year

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

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$176K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:118
Median Home:$489K

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K 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: Indianapolis, IN vs Nashville, TN

🏠Housing
36.0%
Indianapolis, IN
$1,949
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$702
more
📦Other
22.1%
Indianapolis, IN
$1,590
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$352
more
🚗Transportation
8.0%
Indianapolis, IN
$1,188
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$95.62
more
🛒Groceries
3.3%
Indianapolis, IN
$919
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$29.98
more
🏥Healthcare
4.3%
Indianapolis, IN
$582
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$24.78
more
All Utilities
3.3%
Indianapolis, IN
$503
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$16.39
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

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$1,030
To$1,600
$570
1 Bed
From$1,170
To$1,680
$510
2 Bed
From$1,360
To$1,840
$480
3 Bed
From$1,760
To$2,350
$590
Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080$1,870/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.

$6,732
Monthly in Indianapolis, IN
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$1,220
Difference

Home Values

Indianapolis
Nashville
$176K
Median Value
$489K
↓ -1.1%
YoY Change
↓ -2.1%
↑ +26.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.1%
$109K - $340K
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 178% more expensive than Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$4.8K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$404
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
3.2%
Rate difference

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Indiana State Tax
Effective: 3.2%
$4.8K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.9%
$41.9K
Take-Home Pay
$9,012/month
$108.1K

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

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

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

Indianapolis
Nashville
54 Moderate
Air Quality
50 Good
36.6%
Good Air Days
51.6%
97 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 Indiana and Tennessee on TaxTakeHome.com

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