Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Portage, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 5.7% more expensive than Portage, IN. This translates to spending an extra $430 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Portage, IN?

If you earn $150,000 in Portage, IN, you'd need approximately $155,156.379 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portage, IN and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 6.6% more expensive than in Portage, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,019/month in Portage, IN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portage, IN to Nashville, TN?

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $430 more per month than Portage, IN, or $5156 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Portage, IN vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Portage, IN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Portage, IN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $430/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.2K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$430

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.2K

Per year

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

Portage, IN

Population:39K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$262K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$489K

Portage, IN

The Hoosier State

39K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 39K 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: Portage, IN vs Nashville, TN

Category	Portage, IN	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,584/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $358more	22.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,514/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $230less	15.2%
🏠Housing	$2,487/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $164more	6.6%
🏥Healthcare	$565/mo	$607/mo	↑ $42.54more	7.5%
🛒Groceries	$977/mo	$949/mo	↓ $27.77less	2.8%
⚡All Utilities	$493/mo	$519/mo	↑ $26.31more	5.3%

📦Other

↑ 22.6%

Portage, IN

$1,584

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$358

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.2%

Portage, IN

$1,514

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$230

less

🏠Housing

↑ 6.6%

Portage, IN

$2,487

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$164

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.5%

Portage, IN

$565

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$42.54

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.8%

Portage, IN

$977

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$27.77

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Portage, IN

$493

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$26.31

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$743

To$1,600

↑ $857

1 Bed

From$835

To$1,680

↑ $845

2 Bed

From$1,019

To$1,840

↑ $821

3 Bed

From$1,249

To$2,350

↑ $1,101

Portage, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,090–$1,090/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.

$7,620

Monthly in Portage, IN

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$332

Difference

Home Values

Portage

Nashville

$262K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +32.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$262K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 87% more expensive than Portage

Calculate payment - Portage Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$404

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

Rate difference

Portage, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

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

Portage, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

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.