Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Portland, ME?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 7.1% more expensive than Portland, ME. This translates to spending an extra $529 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Portland, ME?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, ME, you'd need approximately $156,350.198 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, ME and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 13.5% cheaper than in Portland, ME. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,202/month in Portland, ME.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, ME to Nashville, TN?

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $529 more per month than Portland, ME, or $6350 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Portland, ME vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Portland, ME — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Portland, ME

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $529/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.4K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↑ 7.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$529

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.4K

Per year

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

Portland, ME

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$527K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$489K

Portland, ME

The Pine Tree State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maine, this city has a population of 69K 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: Portland, ME vs Nashville, TN

Category	Portland, ME	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,178/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $764more	64.8%
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $415less	13.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,182/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $102more	8.6%
🛒Groceries	$867/mo	$949/mo	↑ $82.09more	9.5%
⚡All Utilities	$575/mo	$519/mo	↓ $56.10less	9.8%
🏥Healthcare	$597/mo	$607/mo	↑ $9.74more	1.6%

📦Other

↑ 64.8%

Portland, ME

$1,178

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$764

🏠Housing

↓ 13.5%

Portland, ME

$3,066

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$415

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.6%

Portland, ME

$1,182

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$102

🛒Groceries

↑ 9.5%

Portland, ME

$867

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$82.09

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.8%

Portland, ME

$575

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$56.10

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.6%

Portland, ME

$597

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$9.74

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$829

To$1,600

↑ $771

1 Bed

From$939

To$1,680

↑ $741

2 Bed

From$1,202

To$1,840

↑ $638

3 Bed

From$1,460

To$2,350

↑ $890

Portland, MEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$1,780/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.

$7,466

Monthly in Portland, ME

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$486

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Nashville

$527K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +44.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$510K - $642K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 7% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$857

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.9%

Rate difference

Portland, ME

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maine State Tax

Effective: 6.9%

$10.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.5%

$47.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,558/month

$102.7K

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

Portland, ME Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.5%

Property Tax:1.3%

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.