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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Boston, MA

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

36.4% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
59.3% 59.3% more expensive housing
15.8% 15.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 59.3% more
Nashville
108
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 15.8% more
Nashville
95
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 19.2% more
Nashville
99
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 23.7% more
Nashville
93
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 15.5% more
Nashville
97
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index9913536.4% more
Housing10817259.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$2,60088.4% more
Median Home Price$395,000$700,00077.2% more
Groceries9511015.8% more
Transportation9911819.2% more
Healthcare9311523.7% more
Utilities9711215.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Boston, MA
State Income TaxNone (0%)9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boston 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 Boston to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Boston51°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 59.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $1,220 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Boston?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Boston?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. 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 Boston?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $305,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.