Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Malden, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 27.2% cheaper than Malden, MA. This translates to saving $2036 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Malden, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Malden, MA, you'd need approximately $125,564.968 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Malden, MA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 41.2% cheaper than in Malden, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $2,444/month in Malden, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Malden, MA to Nashville, TN?

Moving from Malden, MA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $2036 per month, or $24435 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Malden, MA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Malden, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Malden, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.6K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 27.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,036

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.4K

Per year

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

Malden, MA

Population:65K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$661K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:73

Median Home:$489K

Malden, MA

The Bay State

65K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 65K 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: Malden, MA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Malden, MA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,505/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $1,855less	41.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,737/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $453less	26.1%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $210more	12.2%
⚡All Utilities	$697/mo	$519/mo	↓ $178less	25.6%
🏥Healthcare	$724/mo	$607/mo	↓ $117less	16.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,051/mo	$949/mo	↓ $102less	9.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 41.2%

Malden, MA

$4,505

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$1,855

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 26.1%

Malden, MA

$1,737

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$453

less

📦Other

↑ 12.2%

Malden, MA

$1,731

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$210

⚡All Utilities

↓ 25.6%

Malden, MA

$697

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$178

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.2%

Malden, MA

$724

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$117

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.7%

Malden, MA

$1,051

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$102

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,960

To$1,600

↓ $360

1 Bed

From$2,057

To$1,680

↓ $377

2 Bed

From$2,444

To$1,840

↓ $604

3 Bed

From$2,928

To$2,350

↓ $578

Malden, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,550–$2,550/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.

$10,446

Monthly in Malden, MA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$2,494

Difference

Home Values

Malden

Nashville

$661K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +25%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$661K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 26% less expensive than Malden

Calculate payment - Malden 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

Malden, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts 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

Malden, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.