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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Philadelphia, PA

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

9.1% Philadelphia, PA is more expensive overall
1.9% 1.9% more expensive housing
11.6% 11.6% 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
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 11.6% more
Nashville
95
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 13.1% more
Nashville
99
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 12.9% more
Nashville
93
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 11.3% more
Nashville
97
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index991089.1% more
Housing108110~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,5008.7% more
Median Home Price$395,000$280,00029.1% less
Groceries9510611.6% more
Transportation9911213.1% more
Healthcare9310512.9% more
Utilities9710811.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Philadelphia, PA
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.07%
State Sales Tax7.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Philadelphia1,603,797

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Planning Your Move?

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $120 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Philadelphia?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.