Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 40.1% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $3009 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Seattle, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $113,895.349 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Seattle, WA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 64.8% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Seattle, WA to Nashville, TN?

Moving from Seattle, WA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $3009 per month, or $36105 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Seattle, WA

Tap to swap

Nashville, TN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.0K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.9K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 40.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,009

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.1K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:60

Median Home:$489K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Seattle, WA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $4,886less	64.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $615less	32.4%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$607/mo	↓ $217less	26.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$949/mo	↓ $130less	12.0%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$519/mo	↑ $38.25more	8.0%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,942/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 64.8%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$4,886

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.4%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$615

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 26.3%

Seattle, WA

$824

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$217

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.0%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$130

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.0%

Seattle, WA

$481

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$38.25

📦Other

↓ 1.7%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$33.48

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$1,600

↓ $580

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,680

↓ $580

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$1,840

↓ $790

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$2,350

↓ $1,090

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$5,842

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Nashville

$808K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 39% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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

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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

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.