Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

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

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

If you earn $150,000 in Phoenix, AZ, you'd need approximately $149,825.581 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 4.9% cheaper than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

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

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $15 per month, or $174 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Phoenix, AZ

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Nashville, TN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Phoenix, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $14.53/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.8K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.53

Savings

Annual Impact

$174

Per year

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$489K

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

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: Phoenix, AZ vs Nashville, TN

Category	Phoenix, AZ	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,677/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $264more	15.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $205less	13.8%
🏠Housing	$2,788/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $138less	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$519/mo	↓ $42.07less	7.5%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.2%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$949/mo	↓ $13.99less	1.5%

📦Other

↑ 15.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$264

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$205

less

🏠Housing

↓ 4.9%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$138

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.5%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$42.07

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$18.59

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.5%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$13.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,390

To$1,600

↑ $210

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,680

↑ $170

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$1,840

↑ $90.00

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$2,350

↑ $20.00

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$116

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

Nashville

$414K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 18% more expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$436

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

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

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

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.