Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Roanoke, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 9.8% more expensive than Roanoke, VA. This translates to spending an extra $737 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Roanoke, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Roanoke, VA, you'd need approximately $158,840.196 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Roanoke, VA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 18.0% more expensive than in Roanoke, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,296/month in Roanoke, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Roanoke, VA to Nashville, TN?

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $737 more per month than Roanoke, VA, or $8840 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Roanoke, VA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Roanoke, VA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Winston-Salem, NC area

Current salary in Roanoke, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $737/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.8K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↑ 9.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$737

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.8K

Per year

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

Roanoke, VA

Population:97K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$202K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$489K

Roanoke, VA

The Old Dominion State

97K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 97K 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: Roanoke, VA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Roanoke, VA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,246/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $405more	18.0%
📦Other	$1,658/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $284more	17.1%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$949/mo	↓ $35.46less	3.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,267/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $17.29more	1.4%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$519/mo	↓ $13.78less	2.6%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$607/mo	↓ $9.76less	1.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 18.0%

Roanoke, VA

$2,246

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$405

📦Other

↑ 17.1%

Roanoke, VA

$1,658

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$284

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.6%

Roanoke, VA

$985

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$35.46

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.4%

Roanoke, VA

$1,267

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$17.29

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.6%

Roanoke, VA

$533

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$13.78

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.6%

Roanoke, VA

$617

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$9.76

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,033

To$1,600

↑ $567

1 Bed

From$1,085

To$1,680

↑ $595

2 Bed

From$1,296

To$1,840

↑ $544

3 Bed

From$1,802

To$2,350

↑ $548

Roanoke, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$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.

$7,305

Monthly in Roanoke, VA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$647

Difference

Home Values

Roanoke

Nashville

$202K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +47.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$142K - $295K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 142% more expensive than Roanoke

Calculate payment - Roanoke Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$697

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Roanoke, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Roanoke, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.