Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Olympia, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 6.0% cheaper than Olympia, WA. This translates to saving $453 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Olympia, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Olympia, WA, you'd need approximately $144,565.569 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Olympia, WA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 10.8% cheaper than in Olympia, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,575/month in Olympia, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Olympia, WA to Nashville, TN?

Moving from Olympia, WA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $453 per month, or $5434 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Olympia, WA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Olympia, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Olympia, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $453/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.6K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$453

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.4K

Per year

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

Olympia, WA

Population:56K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$542K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$489K

Olympia, WA

The Evergreen State

56K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 56K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: Olympia, WA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Olympia, WA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,842/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $558less	30.3%
📦Other	$1,591/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $350more	22.0%
🏠Housing	$2,972/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $322less	10.8%
🏥Healthcare	$812/mo	$607/mo	↓ $204less	25.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,063/mo	$949/mo	↓ $114less	10.7%
⚡All Utilities	$474/mo	$519/mo	↑ $45.50more	9.6%

🚗Transportation

↓ 30.3%

Olympia, WA

$1,842

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$558

less

📦Other

↑ 22.0%

Olympia, WA

$1,591

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$350

🏠Housing

↓ 10.8%

Olympia, WA

$2,972

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$322

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 25.2%

Olympia, WA

$812

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$204

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.7%

Olympia, WA

$1,063

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$114

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.6%

Olympia, WA

$474

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$45.50

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,237

To$1,600

↑ $363

1 Bed

From$1,352

To$1,680

↑ $328

2 Bed

From$1,575

To$1,840

↑ $265

3 Bed

From$2,103

To$2,350

↑ $247

Olympia, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,640–$1,710/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.

$8,754

Monthly in Olympia, WA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$802

Difference

Home Values

Olympia

Nashville

$542K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +27.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$539K - $562K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 10% less expensive than Olympia

Calculate payment - Olympia Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Olympia, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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

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

Olympia, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.