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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Nashville, TN

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

3.9% Nashville, TN is cheaper overall
8.5% 8.5% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 8.5% cheaper
Austin
118
Nashville
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Nashville
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Nashville
99
🏥 Healthcare 4.1% cheaper
Austin
97
Nashville
93
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Nashville
97

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Nashville, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index103993.9% less
Housing1181088.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,3804.8% less
Median Home Price$425,000$395,0007.1% less
Groceries9695~Same
Transportation9899~Same
Healthcare97934.1% less
Utilities9997~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Nashville, TN
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Nashville costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Nashville to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Nashville (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Nashville3.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Nashville3.7%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Nashville26 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Nashville29
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Nashville40
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Nashville59°F
Population
Austin979,882
Nashville689,447

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Nashville → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Nashville →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Raleigh → Austin vs Portland → Nashville vs Phoenix → Nashville vs Chicago → Nashville vs Miami →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Nashville cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 8.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Nashville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,380/month in Nashville — a difference of about $70 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Nashville?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Nashville?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $72,000 in Nashville. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Nashville?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $395,000 in Nashville — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.