Is Boston, MA cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 44.7% more expensive than Nashville, TN. This translates to spending an extra $3350 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $190,194.175 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 99.0% more expensive than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $3350 more per month than Nashville, TN, or $40194 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Nashville, TN

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.3K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $190.2K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 44.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,350

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$40.2K

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:145

Median Home:$961K

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Nashville, TN vs Boston, MA

Category	Nashville, TN	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,625more	99.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $546more	42.6%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$716/mo	↑ $197more	37.9%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$743/mo	↑ $136more	22.4%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $130more	13.7%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $117less	6.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 99.0%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,625

🚗Transportation

↑ 42.6%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$546

⚡All Utilities

↑ 37.9%

Nashville, TN

$519

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$197

🏥Healthcare

↑ 22.4%

Nashville, TN

$607

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$136

🛒Groceries

↑ 13.7%

Nashville, TN

$949

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$130

📦Other

↓ 6.0%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$117

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$3,095

↑ $1,495

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$3,255

↑ $1,575

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$3,865

↑ $2,025

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$4,630

↑ $2,280

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,517

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Boston

$489K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 97% more expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$625

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

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

Boston, 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

Additional Tax Information

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.