Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 1.7% cheaper than Nashville, TN. This translates to saving $131 per month.

What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $148,427.184 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Philadelphia, PA?

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 12.7% cheaper than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Nashville, TN to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving from Nashville, TN to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $131 per month, or $1573 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Nashville, TN

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $131/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.4K in Philadelphia, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$131

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.6K

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$241K

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

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Nashville, TN vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Nashville, TN	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $338less	12.7%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $167less	8.6%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $155more	16.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,421/mo	↑ $137more	10.6%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$607/mo	↑ $87.43more	16.8%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$607/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 12.7%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$338

less

📦Other

↓ 8.6%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$167

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 16.3%

Nashville, TN

$949

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$155

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.6%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$137

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.8%

Nashville, TN

$519

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$87.43

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Nashville, TN

$607

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

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$1,280

↓ $320

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,390

↓ $290

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,660

↓ $180

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$1,990

↓ $360

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$126

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Philadelphia

$489K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 51% less expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville Calculate payment - Philadelphia

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$384

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

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

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

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.