Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Salem, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 14.4% more expensive than Salem, VA. This translates to spending an extra $1079 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, VA, you'd need approximately $162,949.015 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 22.9% more expensive than in Salem, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,416/month in Salem, VA.

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

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $1079 more per month than Salem, VA, or $12949 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Salem, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.9K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↑ 14.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,079

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.9K

Per year

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

Salem, VA

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$296K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:114

Median Home:$489K

Salem, VA

The Old Dominion State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 26K 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: Salem, VA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Salem, VA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,156/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $495more	22.9%
📦Other	$1,592/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $350more	22.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $67.85more	5.6%
🛒Groceries	$965/mo	$949/mo	↓ $15.61less	1.6%
⚡All Utilities	$522/mo	$519/mo	↓ $3.04less	0.6%
🏥Healthcare	$605/mo	$607/mo	↑ $2.68more	0.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 22.9%

Salem, VA

$2,156

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$495

📦Other

↑ 22.0%

Salem, VA

$1,592

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$350

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Salem, VA

$1,216

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$67.85

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.6%

Salem, VA

$965

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$15.61

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.6%

Salem, VA

$522

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$3.04

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 0.4%

Salem, VA

$605

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$2.68

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,133

To$1,600

↑ $467

1 Bed

From$1,194

To$1,680

↑ $486

2 Bed

From$1,416

To$1,840

↑ $424

3 Bed

From$1,973

To$2,350

↑ $377

Salem, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,180–$1,180/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.

$7,056

Monthly in Salem, VA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$896

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Nashville

$296K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +39.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$296K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 65% more expensive than Salem

Calculate payment - Salem 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

Salem, 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

Salem, 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.