Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 0.2% more expensive than Nashville, TN. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $150,174.757 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 5.2% more expensive than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Nashville, TN to Phoenix, AZ?

Nashville, TN and Phoenix, AZ have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Nashville, TN

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Phoenix, AZ

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $14.56/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.2K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.56

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$175

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Nashville, TN vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Nashville, TN	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $264less	13.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $205more	16.0%
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $138more	5.2%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$561/mo	↑ $42.07more	8.1%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$589/mo	↓ $18.59less	3.1%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$963/mo	↑ $13.99more	1.5%

📦Other

↓ 13.6%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$264

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.0%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$205

🏠Housing

↑ 5.2%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$138

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.1%

Nashville, TN

$519

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$42.07

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.1%

Nashville, TN

$607

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$18.59

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.5%

Nashville, TN

$949

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$13.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,390

↓ $210

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,510

↓ $170

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,750

↓ $90.00

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$2,330

↓ $20.00

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$116

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Phoenix

$489K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 15% less expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.