Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Lancaster, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 5.7% more expensive than Lancaster, PA. This translates to spending an extra $430 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Lancaster, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Lancaster, PA, you'd need approximately $155,161.082 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lancaster, PA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 2.8% more expensive than in Lancaster, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,258/month in Lancaster, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lancaster, PA to Nashville, TN?

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $430 more per month than Lancaster, PA, or $5161 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lancaster, PA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lancaster, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area

Current salary in Lancaster, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $430/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.2K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$430

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.2K

Per year

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

Lancaster, PA

Population:57K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$309K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$489K

Lancaster, PA

The Keystone State

57K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 57K 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: Lancaster, PA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Lancaster, PA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,569/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $373more	23.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,044/mo	$949/mo	↓ $94.85less	9.1%
🏠Housing	$2,579/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $71.42more	2.8%
⚡All Utilities	$581/mo	$519/mo	↓ $62.34less	10.7%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$607/mo	↑ $42.93more	7.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,268/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $16.14more	1.3%

📦Other

↑ 23.7%

Lancaster, PA

$1,569

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$373

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.1%

Lancaster, PA

$1,044

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$94.85

less

🏠Housing

↑ 2.8%

Lancaster, PA

$2,579

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$71.42

⚡All Utilities

↓ 10.7%

Lancaster, PA

$581

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$62.34

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.6%

Lancaster, PA

$564

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$42.93

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.3%

Lancaster, PA

$1,268

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$16.14

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Lancaster, PA: Lancaster Earned Income Tax$4,380/yr (2.9%)

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$906

To$1,600

↑ $694

1 Bed

From$1,008

To$1,680

↑ $672

2 Bed

From$1,258

To$1,840

↑ $582

3 Bed

From$1,633

To$2,350

↑ $717

Lancaster, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,290/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.

$7,606

Monthly in Lancaster, PA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$346

Difference

Home Values

Lancaster

Nashville

$309K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +41.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$309K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 58% more expensive than Lancaster

Calculate payment - Lancaster Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$384

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

Lancaster, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Lancaster, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.