Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 38.7% cheaper than Newark, NJ. This translates to saving $2902 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Newark, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $115,178.571 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Newark, NJ and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 65.3% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Newark, NJ to Nashville, TN?

Moving from Newark, NJ to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $2902 per month, or $34821 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Newark, NJ vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Newark, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.2K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 38.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,902

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$484K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:61

Median Home:$489K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 312K residents.

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Newark, NJ vs Nashville, TN

Category	Newark, NJ	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $4,997less	65.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $318less	19.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$949/mo	↓ $216less	18.5%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,942/mo	↓ $92.07less	4.5%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$519/mo	↓ $80.87less	13.5%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$607/mo	↓ $80.54less	11.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 65.3%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$4,997

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.9%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$318

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 18.5%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$216

less

📦Other

↓ 4.5%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$92.07

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 13.5%

Newark, NJ

$600

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$80.87

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.7%

Newark, NJ

$688

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$80.54

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Newark, NJ: Newark Payroll Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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$1,400

To$1,600

↑ $200

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$1,680

↑ $80.00

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$1,840

↓ $90.00

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$2,350

↓ $80.00

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Newark, NJ

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$5,785

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Nashville

$484K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 1% more expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$619

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Newark, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Additional Tax Information

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 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.