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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

11.6% Nashville, TN is cheaper overall
18.2% 18.2% cheaper housing
5.9% 5.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.2% cheaper
Denver
132
Nashville
108
🛒 Groceries 5.9% cheaper
Denver
101
Nashville
95
🚗 Transportation 5.7% cheaper
Denver
105
Nashville
99
🏥 Healthcare 10.6% cheaper
Denver
104
Nashville
93
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Denver
96
Nashville
97

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Nashville, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index1129911.6% less
Housing13210818.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,38014.8% less
Median Home Price$540,000$395,00026.9% less
Groceries101955.9% less
Transportation105995.7% less
Healthcare1049310.6% less
Utilities9697~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Nashville, TN
State Income Tax4.40%None (0%)
State Sales Tax2.90%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Nashville (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Nashville3.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Nashville3.7%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Nashville26 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Nashville29
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Nashville40
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Nashville59°F
Population
Denver713,252
Nashville689,447

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 18.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Nashville?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,380/month in Nashville — a difference of about $240 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Nashville?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Nashville?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Nashville?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $395,000 in Nashville — a difference of $145,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.