Is Denver, CO cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 6.8% more expensive than Nashville, TN. This translates to spending an extra $510 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $156,116.505 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 22.5% more expensive than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Nashville, TN to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $510 more per month than Nashville, TN, or $6117 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Nashville, TN

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $510/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.1K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$510

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.1K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$513K

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Nashville, TN vs Denver, CO

Category	Nashville, TN	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $598more	22.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $178more	13.8%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $167less	8.6%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $79.94more	8.4%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$632/mo	↑ $24.78more	4.1%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$519/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 22.5%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$598

🚗Transportation

↑ 13.8%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$178

📦Other

↓ 8.6%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$167

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.4%

Nashville, TN

$949

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$79.94

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.1%

Nashville, TN

$607

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$24.78

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Nashville, TN

$519

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Nashville, TN has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,720

↑ $120

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,840

↑ $160

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$2,190

↑ $350

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$2,870

↑ $520

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$713

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Denver

$489K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 5% more expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$550

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.