Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 1.9% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $143 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Madison, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $148,285.714 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 3.8% cheaper than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Madison, WI to Nashville, TN?

Moving from Madison, WI to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $143 per month, or $1714 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $143/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.3K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$143

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.7K

Per year

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

Madison, WI

Population:270K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$427K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$489K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 270K 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: Madison, WI vs Nashville, TN

Category	Madison, WI	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,791/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $151more	8.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $123less	8.7%
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$607/mo	↓ $112less	15.5%
🏠Housing	$2,755/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $104less	3.8%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$519/mo	↑ $10.93more	2.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$949/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

📦Other

↑ 8.4%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$151

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.7%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$123

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.5%

Madison, WI

$719

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$112

less

🏠Housing

↓ 3.8%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$104

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.2%

Madison, WI

$508

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$10.93

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Madison, WI

$959

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$9.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,370

To$1,600

↑ $230

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$1,680

↑ $75.00

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$1,840

↑ $5.00

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$2,350

↓ $75.00

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/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.

$8,139

Monthly in Madison, WI

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$187

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Nashville

$427K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 15% more expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$737

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.9%

Rate difference

Madison, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.