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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $47.55/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.6K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates Β· COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area
Overall Cost
↑ 0.6%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$47.55
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$571
Per year

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

Little Elm, TX

Population:58K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$496K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:
101
(1% above avg)
Median Home:$489K

Little Elm, TX

The Lone Star State

58K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 58K residents.

πŸ’‘ Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • β€’Music City USA
  • β€’Country music capital
  • β€’Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Little Elm, TX vs Nashville, TN

Housing
↑ 15.1%
Little Elm, TX
$2,304
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$347
more
Other
↑ 4.5%
Little Elm, TX
$1,859
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$83.01
more
All Utilities
↓ 6.1%
Little Elm, TX
$553
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$33.94
less
Transportation
↑ 2.5%
Little Elm, TX
$1,253
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$31.01
more
Healthcare
↓ 2.2%
Little Elm, TX
$621
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$13.81
less
Groceries
↓ 1.3%
Little Elm, TX
$962
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$12.98
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$903
To$1,600
↑ $697
1 Bed
From$1,067
To$1,680
↑ $613
2 Bed
From$1,313
To$1,840
↑ $527
3 Bed
From$1,806
To$2,350
↑ $544
Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

πŸ’‘ 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.

$7,552
Monthly in Little Elm, TX
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$400
Difference

Home Values

Little Elm
Nashville
-
Median Value
$489K
-
YoY Change
↓ -2.1%
-
5-Year Change
↑ +32.1%
-
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
β†’ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Little Elm, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas 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

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

Little Elm, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%
Property Tax:0.7%

πŸ’‘ 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

Little Elm
Nashville
40 Good
Air Quality
50 Good
77.5%
Good Air Days
51.6%
99 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌑πŸŒͺ
Top Hazards
🌊🫨πŸŒͺ
β–²+2.7Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.8Β°F
81 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
42 days
β–²+2.7Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.8Β°F
81 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
42 days

What to Consider When Moving from Little Elm, TX to Nashville, TN

Relocating from Little Elm, TX to Nashville, TN involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 1% 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 15% more expensive than in Little Elm, TX. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas β€” not just city averages β€” 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 Little Elm, TX.

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 β€œfeel” 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 β€” experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Little Elm, TX vs Nashville, TN

Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Little Elm, TX?

Nashville, TN is approximately 0.6% more expensive than Little Elm, TX overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $47.55/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 15% more in Nashville, TN.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to match my lifestyle in Little Elm, TX?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Little Elm, TX, you would need approximately $150,571 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 Little Elm, TX and Nashville, TN?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,313/month in Little Elm, TX compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN. One-bedroom apartments are $1,067/month in Little Elm, TX vs $1,680/month in Nashville, TN. These are area-wide medians β€” specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Little Elm, TX or Nashville, TN?

Groceries are about 1% cheaper in Nashville, TN than in Little Elm, TX, saving a typical household roughly $12.98/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Little Elm, TX 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.

πŸ’° See how taxes change too β€” compare take-home pay between Texas and Tennessee on TaxTakeHome.com

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