Is Houston, TX cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 6.3% cheaper than Nashville, TN. This translates to saving $473 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $144,320.388 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Houston, TX is 17.4% cheaper than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

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

Moving from Nashville, TN to Houston, TX could save you approximately $473 per month, or $5680 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Nashville, TN

Tap to swap

Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $473/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.3K in Houston, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$473

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.7K

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$245K

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

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Nashville, TN vs Houston, TX

Category	Nashville, TN	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $460less	17.4%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $174less	9.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,449/mo	↑ $165more	12.9%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$562/mo	↓ $45.23less	7.4%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$911/mo	↓ $37.97less	4.0%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$552/mo	↑ $33.33more	6.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 17.4%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$460

less

📦Other

↓ 9.0%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$174

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.9%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$165

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.4%

Nashville, TN

$607

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$45.23

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.0%

Nashville, TN

$949

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$37.97

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.4%

Nashville, TN

$519

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$33.33

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,220

↓ $380

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,260

↓ $420

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,500

↓ $340

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$2,020

↓ $330

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$519

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Houston

$489K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 50% less expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville Calculate payment - Houston

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

Houston, 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%

Houston, 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.