Is Nashville, TN cheaper than McLean, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 28.2% cheaper than McLean, VA. This translates to saving $2113 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in McLean, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in McLean, VA, you'd need approximately $124,648.98 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between McLean, VA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 49.7% cheaper than in McLean, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $2,245/month in McLean, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from McLean, VA to Nashville, TN?

Moving from McLean, VA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $2113 per month, or $25351 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McLean, VA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 McLean, VA — COL adjusted from Washington, DC area + state data

Current salary in McLean, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.6K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 28.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,113

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.4K

Per year

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

McLean, VA

Population:51K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$489K

McLean, VA

The Old Dominion State

51K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 51K 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: McLean, VA vs Nashville, TN

Category	McLean, VA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,273/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $2,623less	49.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,778/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $494less	27.8%
📦Other	$1,721/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $221more	12.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,048/mo	$949/mo	↓ $98.89less	9.4%
⚡All Utilities	$494/mo	$519/mo	↑ $25.53more	5.2%
🏥Healthcare	$614/mo	$607/mo	↓ $6.62less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 49.7%

McLean, VA

$5,273

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$2,623

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 27.8%

McLean, VA

$1,778

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$494

less

📦Other

↑ 12.8%

McLean, VA

$1,721

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$221

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.4%

McLean, VA

$1,048

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$98.89

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.2%

McLean, VA

$494

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$25.53

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.1%

McLean, VA

$614

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$6.62

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,524

To$1,600

↑ $76.00

1 Bed

From$1,764

To$1,680

↓ $84.00

2 Bed

From$2,245

To$1,840

↓ $405

3 Bed

From$3,127

To$2,350

↓ $777

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.

$10,928

Monthly in McLean, VA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$2,976

Difference

Home Values

McLean

Nashville

Median Value

$489K

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$697

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

McLean, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

McLean, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.