Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 23.9% cheaper than Worcester, MA. This translates to saving $1795 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Worcester, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $128,456.106 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Worcester, MA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 38.6% cheaper than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Worcester, MA to Nashville, TN?

Moving from Worcester, MA to Nashville, TN could save you approximately $1795 per month, or $21544 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Worcester, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Worcester, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.5K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area

Overall Cost

↓ 23.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,795

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.5K

Per year

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

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$410K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:76

Median Home:$489K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 208K 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: Worcester, MA vs Nashville, TN

Category	Worcester, MA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,315/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $1,664less	38.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $380less	22.8%
📦Other	$1,658/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $284more	17.1%
⚡All Utilities	$682/mo	$519/mo	↓ $163less	23.9%
🏥Healthcare	$709/mo	$607/mo	↓ $102less	14.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$949/mo	↓ $79.53less	7.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 38.6%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$1,664

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 22.8%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$380

less

📦Other

↑ 17.1%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$284

⚡All Utilities

↓ 23.9%

Worcester, MA

$682

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$163

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.3%

Worcester, MA

$709

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$102

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.7%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$79.53

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,275

To$1,600

↑ $325

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$1,680

↑ $398

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$1,840

↑ $195

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$2,350

↑ $311

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/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.

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$2,105

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

Nashville

$410K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 19% more expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Worcester, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.