Is Washington, DC cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 47.6% more expensive than Nashville, TN. This translates to spending an extra $3568 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $192,815.534 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 134.3% more expensive than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Nashville, TN to Washington, DC?

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $3568 more per month than Nashville, TN, or $42816 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Nashville, TN

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Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.6K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $192.8K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 47.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,568

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$42.8K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:148

Median Home:$556K

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Nashville, TN vs Washington, DC

Category	Nashville, TN	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $3,560more	134.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $601more	46.8%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $130more	13.7%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $117less	6.0%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$632/mo	↑ $24.78more	4.1%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$508/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 134.3%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$3,560

🚗Transportation

↑ 46.8%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$601

🛒Groceries

↑ 13.7%

Nashville, TN

$949

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$130

📦Other

↓ 6.0%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$117

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.1%

Nashville, TN

$607

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$24.78

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Nashville, TN

$519

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$10.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$2,150

↑ $550

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$2,215

↑ $535

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$2,470

↑ $630

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$3,115

↑ $765

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$4,188

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Washington

$489K

Median Value

$556K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 14% more expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $11.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$929

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.4%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

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.