Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 1.8% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $133 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $151,600.791 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 14.6% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $133 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $1601 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Nashville, TN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $133/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.6K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 1.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$133

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$489K

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

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $338more	14.6%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $167more	9.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$949/mo	↓ $155less	14.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $137less	9.6%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$519/mo	↓ $87.43less	14.4%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$607/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 14.6%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$338

📦Other

↑ 9.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$167

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$155

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.6%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$137

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$87.43

less

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Nashville, TN

$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$1,280

To$1,600

↑ $320

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,680

↑ $290

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,840

↑ $180

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,350

↑ $360

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$126

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Nashville

$241K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 103% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$384

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

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

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.