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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Waukee, IA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Des Moines, IA area

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Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $167.5K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Overall Cost
↑ 19.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,455
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$17.5K
Per year

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

Waukee, IA

Population:32K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$336K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:119
Median Home:$489K

Waukee, IA

The Hawkeye State

32K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 32K 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: Waukee, IA vs Nashville, TN

🏠Housing
↑ 47.8%
Waukee, IA
$1,793
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$857
more
📦Other
↑ 26.1%
Waukee, IA
$1,540
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$402
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 7.8%
Waukee, IA
$1,191
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$92.59
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 9.0%
Waukee, IA
$667
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$60.05
less
🛒Groceries
↑ 6.6%
Waukee, IA
$890
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$59.05
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 12.8%
Waukee, IA
$460
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$59.04
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$978
To$1,600
↑ $622
1 Bed
From$1,018
To$1,680
↑ $662
2 Bed
From$1,214
To$1,840
↑ $626
3 Bed
From$1,654
To$2,350
↑ $696
Waukee, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,250/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.

$6,543
Monthly in Waukee, IA
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$1,409
Difference

Home Values

Waukee
Nashville
$336K
Median Value
$489K
↓ -1.4%
YoY Change
↓ -2.1%
↑ +14.7%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.1%
$336K
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 46% more expensive than Waukee

Calculate payment - WaukeeCalculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $10.7K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$892
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
7.1%
Rate difference

Waukee, IA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Iowa State Tax
Effective: 7.1%
$10.7K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.8%
$47.7K
Take-Home Pay
$8,524/month
$102.3K

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

Waukee, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

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

Waukee
Nashville
45 Good
Air Quality
50 Good
67.5%
Good Air Days
51.6%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
97 High
🌡☀🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🫨🌪
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days

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

Similar cost to Nashville, TN

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