Is Austin, TX cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 0.0% cheaper than Nashville, TN. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $150,000 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 8.8% more expensive than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Nashville, TN to Austin, TX?

Nashville, TN and Austin, TX have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Nashville, TN

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Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

Nashville, TN and Austin, TX have similar living costs

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN area

Overall Cost

→ 0.0%

Same cost

Monthly Impact

No change

Annual Impact

Per year

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$489K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Nashville, TN vs Austin, TX

Category	Nashville, TN	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $234more	8.8%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $201less	10.3%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$541/mo	↑ $21.86more	4.2%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$589/mo	↓ $18.59less	3.1%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$959/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 8.8%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$234

📦Other

↓ 10.3%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$201

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.2%

Nashville, TN

$519

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$21.86

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.1%

Nashville, TN

$607

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$18.59

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.1%

Nashville, TN

$949

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$9.99

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,585

↓ $15.00

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,685

↑ $5.00

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,995

↑ $155

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$2,525

↑ $175

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$46.27

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Austin

$489K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 14% more expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas 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

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.