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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Atlanta, GA

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

8.1% Atlanta, GA is more expensive overall
5.6% 5.6% more expensive housing
7.4% 7.4% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.6% more
Nashville
108
Atlanta
114
🛒 Groceries 7.4% more
Nashville
95
Atlanta
102
🚗 Transportation 10.1% more
Nashville
99
Atlanta
109
🏥 Healthcare 9.7% more
Nashville
93
Atlanta
102
⚡ Utilities 2.1% more
Nashville
97
Atlanta
99

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Atlanta, GA Difference
Overall Cost Index991078.1% more
Housing1081145.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,65019.6% more
Median Home Price$395,000$380,0003.8% less
Groceries951027.4% more
Transportation9910910.1% more
Healthcare931029.7% more
Utilities97992.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Atlanta, GA
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.39%
State Sales Tax7.00%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.72%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Atlanta costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Atlanta to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Atlanta (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Atlanta3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Atlanta3.4%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Atlanta32 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Atlanta48
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Atlanta43
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Atlanta62°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Atlanta499,127

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Planning Your Move?

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Atlanta cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Atlanta?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,650/month in Atlanta — a difference of about $270 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Atlanta?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 Nashville to Atlanta?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $75,000 in Atlanta. 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 Nashville vs Atlanta?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $380,000 in Atlanta — a difference of $15,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Georgia averages 0.72%.