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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Dallas, TX

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

3.0% Dallas, TX is more expensive overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Nashville
108
Dallas
108
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Nashville
95
Dallas
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Dallas
101
🏥 Healthcare 5.4% more
Nashville
93
Dallas
98
⚡ Utilities 7.2% more
Nashville
97
Dallas
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Dallas, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index991023.0% more
Housing108108~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,400~Same
Median Home Price$395,000$340,00013.9% less
Groceries95972.1% more
Transportation99101~Same
Healthcare93985.4% more
Utilities971047.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Dallas, TX
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Dallas, TX
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Dallas 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 Dallas to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Dallas (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Dallas3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Dallas3.4%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Dallas28 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Dallas46
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Dallas48
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Dallas66°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Dallas1,288,457

Moving from Nashville to Dallas?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Dallas cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 0.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Dallas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,400/month in Dallas — a difference of about $20 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Dallas?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Dallas?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $72,000 in Dallas. 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 Dallas?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $340,000 in Dallas — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Texas averages 1.60%.