Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Lexington, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 10.8% more expensive than Lexington, KY. This translates to spending an extra $806 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Lexington, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, KY, you'd need approximately $159,677.419 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington, KY and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 13.3% more expensive than in Lexington, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,390/month in Lexington, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington, KY to Nashville, TN?

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $806 more per month than Lexington, KY, or $9677 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington, KY vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Lexington, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $806/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.7K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↑ 10.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$806

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.7K

Per year

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

Lexington, KY

Population:323K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$345K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$489K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 323K 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: Lexington, KY vs Nashville, TN

Category	Lexington, KY	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,339/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $312more	13.3%
📦Other	$1,641/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $301more	18.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $68.30more	5.6%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$607/mo	↑ $55.76more	10.1%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$519/mo	↑ $54.64more	11.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$949/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 13.3%

Lexington, KY

$2,339

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$312

📦Other

↑ 18.4%

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$301

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$68.30

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.1%

Lexington, KY

$551

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$55.76

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.8%

Lexington, KY

$464

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$54.64

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Lexington, KY

$959

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$9.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Lexington, KY: Lexington Occupational 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$960

To$1,600

↑ $640

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$1,680

↑ $500

2 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,840

↑ $450

3 Bed

From$1,900

To$2,350

↑ $450

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,500/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.

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington, KY

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$782

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

Nashville

$345K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +43.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$214K - $711K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 42% more expensive than Lexington

Calculate payment - Lexington 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

Lexington, KY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kentucky 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

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

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.