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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Houston, 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% Houston, TX is cheaper overall
14.8% 14.8% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 14.8% cheaper
Nashville
108
Houston
92
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Nashville
95
Houston
94
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Houston
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.2% more
Nashville
93
Houston
95
⚡ Utilities 9.3% more
Nashville
97
Houston
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Houston, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index99963.0% less
Housing1089214.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,20013.0% less
Median Home Price$395,000$295,00025.3% less
Groceries9594~Same
Transportation99100~Same
Healthcare93952.2% more
Utilities971069.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Houston, 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
Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Houston 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 Houston to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Houston (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Houston4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Houston3.1%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Houston30 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Houston33
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Houston52
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Houston70°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Houston2,304,580

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Houston cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 14.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Houston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,200/month in Houston — a difference of about $180 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Houston?+
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 Houston?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $67,000 in Houston. 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 Houston?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $295,000 in Houston — a difference of $100,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Texas averages 1.60%.