Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Scottsdale, AZ?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 4.9% cheaper than in Scottsdale, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $2,295/month in Scottsdale, AZ.

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

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

Scottsdale, AZ vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Scottsdale, 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.

Scottsdale, AZ

Population:241K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$842K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$489K

Scottsdale, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

241K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 241K 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: Scottsdale, AZ vs Nashville, TN

Category	Scottsdale, 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%

Scottsdale, AZ

$1,677

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$264

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.8%

Scottsdale, AZ

$1,489

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$205

less

🏠Housing

↓ 4.9%

Scottsdale, AZ

$2,788

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$138

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.5%

Scottsdale, AZ

$561

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$42.07

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Scottsdale, AZ

$589

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$18.59

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.5%

Scottsdale, AZ

$963

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$13.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,815

To$1,600

↓ $215

1 Bed

From$1,975

To$1,680

↓ $295

2 Bed

From$2,295

To$1,840

↓ $455

3 Bed

From$3,060

To$2,350

↓ $710

Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale, AZ

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$116

Difference

Home Values

Scottsdale

Nashville

$842K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +1.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +46.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$522K - $1.51M

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 42% less expensive than Scottsdale

Calculate payment - Scottsdale 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

Scottsdale, 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

Scottsdale, 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.