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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Mesa, AZ

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

0.0% Mesa, AZ is cheaper overall
3.7% 3.7% 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 3.7% cheaper
Nashville
108
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Nashville
95
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Nashville
93
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 9.3% more
Nashville
97
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index9999~Same
Housing1081043.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,2509.4% less
Median Home Price$395,000$365,0007.6% less
Groceries95972.1% more
Transportation99100~Same
Healthcare9394~Same
Utilities971069.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Mesa, AZ
State Income TaxNone (0%)2.50%
State Sales Tax7.00%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Mesa, AZ
$66,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Mesa 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 Mesa to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Mesa504,258

Moving from Nashville to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Mesa cheaper to live in?+
Mesa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $130 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Mesa?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Mesa?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $66,000 in Mesa. 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 Mesa?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Arizona averages 0.51%.