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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Compare Shawnee, KS and Nashville, TN using saved regional data and explicit budgeting assumptions. Rent estimates are not live listings. Change the salary below, then check the source notes before applying a result to your household.

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $167.7K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Kansas City, MO-KS area
Overall Cost
↑ 19.6%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,471
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$17.7K
Per year

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

Shawnee, KS

Population:69K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$468K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:
120
(20% above avg)
Median Home:$489K

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Shawnee, KS

The Sunflower State

69K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Kansas, 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: Shawnee, KS vs Nashville, TN

Housing
↑ 46.2%
Shawnee, KS
$1,813
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$838
more
Other
↑ 26.3%
Shawnee, KS
$1,538
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$404
more
Transportation
↑ 10.4%
Shawnee, KS
$1,163
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$121
more
Groceries
↑ 2.2%
Shawnee, KS
$929
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$20.74
more
Healthcare
↑ 2.2%
Shawnee, KS
$594
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$13.27
more
All Utilities
↓ 0.9%
Shawnee, KS
$524
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$4.69
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$952
To$1,600
↑ $648
1 Bed
From$1,041
To$1,680
↑ $639
2 Bed
From$1,179
To$1,840
↑ $661
3 Bed
From$1,537
To$2,350
↑ $813
Shawnee, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,160–$1,690/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.

$6,560
Monthly in Shawnee, KS
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$1,393
Difference

Home Values

Shawnee
Nashville
$468K
Median Value
$489K
↑ +3.8%
YoY Change
↓ -2.1%
↑ +36.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.1%
$310K - $566K
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 4% more expensive than Shawnee

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
$702
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.6%
Rate difference

Shawnee, KS

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Kansas State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,714/month
$104.6K

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Tennessee State Tax
No state income tax
$0
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

Shawnee, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%
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.

Environment

Shawnee
Nashville
46 Good
Air Quality
50 Good
59.3%
Good Air Days
51.6%
97 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🫨🌪
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days

What to Consider When Moving from Shawnee, KS to Nashville, TN

Relocating from Shawnee, KS to Nashville, TN involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 20% higher in Nashville, TN, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Nashville, TN is 46% more expensive than in Shawnee, KS. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Nashville, TN pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Nashville, TN to match your current standard of living in Shawnee, KS.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Nashville, TN for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Shawnee, KS vs Nashville, TN

How do the cost estimates for Shawnee, KS and Nashville, TN compare?

The saved overall index for Nashville, TN is 19.6% higher than for Shawnee, KS. This is a broad model comparison, not a survey of today's prices or a forecast of your household spending. Some cities use adjusted regional fallback data.

What does the equivalent salary mean?

At a $150,000 salary in Shawnee, KS, the model estimates $167,653 in Nashville, TN. It assumes 60% of gross income changes with the relative cost index and 40% stays fixed. The monthly difference is the salary difference divided by 12; it is not take-home pay or guaranteed savings. Household size, childcare and your actual lease are not inputs to this calculation.

What rent estimates are available for Shawnee, KS and Nashville, TN?

The modeled two-bedroom rents are $1,179/month in Shawnee, KS and $1,840/month in Nashville, TN. Where available, the source is a city median of HUD FY2026 ZIP-level estimates; otherwise a saved metro table is used. City adjustments may also apply. These are not asking rents or available listings. Compare actual properties with the same bedroom count and included utilities.

How should I use this comparison before moving?

Use it to shortlist locations, then replace modeled costs with a current housing quote, employer-confirmed income, commute costs, insurance and your household's other expenses. Add one-time moving costs separately. Source years differ and the saved datasets are not a live price feed. Read the methodology for the formulas and fallback rules.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Kansas and Tennessee on TaxTakeHome.com

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