Is Detroit, MI cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Detroit, MI is 14.6% cheaper than Nashville, TN. This translates to saving $1092 per month.

What salary do I need in Detroit, MI to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $136,893.204 in Detroit, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Detroit, MI?

Housing in Detroit, MI is 41.2% cheaper than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,225/month in Detroit, MI compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Nashville, TN to Detroit, MI?

Moving from Nashville, TN to Detroit, MI could save you approximately $1092 per month, or $13107 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Nashville, TN

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Detroit, MI

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.9K in Detroit, MI

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

Overall Cost

↓ 14.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,092

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.1K

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

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:85

Median Home:$86K

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

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 639K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Nashville, TN vs Detroit, MI

Category	Nashville, TN	Detroit, MI	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$1,559/mo	↓ $1,091less	41.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $287more	22.3%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,674/mo	↓ $268less	13.8%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$564/mo	↓ $43.37less	7.1%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$557/mo	↑ $38.25more	7.4%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$949/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 41.2%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Difference

$1,091

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 22.3%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Difference

$287

📦Other

↓ 13.8%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Difference

$268

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.1%

Nashville, TN

$607

Detroit, MI

$564

Difference

$43.37

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.4%

Nashville, TN

$519

Detroit, MI

$557

Difference

$38.25

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Nashville, TN

$949

Detroit, MI

$949

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Detroit, MI: Detroit City Income Tax$3,600/yr (2.4%)

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$875

↓ $725

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$975

↓ $705

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,225

↓ $615

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$1,495

↓ $855

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/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

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$1,078

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Detroit

$489K

Median Value

$86K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.3%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 83% less expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville Calculate payment - Detroit

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$531

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.2%

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

Detroit, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.