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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Phoenix, AZ

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

1.0% Phoenix, AZ is more expensive overall
1.9% 1.9% cheaper housing
3.2% 3.2% 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
Phoenix
106
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Nashville
95
Phoenix
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Phoenix
101
🏥 Healthcare 2.2% more
Nashville
93
Phoenix
95
⚡ Utilities 11.3% more
Nashville
97
Phoenix
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Phoenix, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index99100~Same
Housing108106~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,2807.2% less
Median Home Price$395,000$370,0006.3% less
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation99101~Same
Healthcare93952.2% more
Utilities9710811.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Phoenix, 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
Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Phoenix 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 Phoenix to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Phoenix (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Phoenix3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Phoenix3.3%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Phoenix27 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Phoenix38
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Phoenix58
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Phoenix75°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Phoenix1,624,569

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Phoenix 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 Phoenix?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,280/month in Phoenix — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Phoenix?+
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 Phoenix?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $68,000 in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $370,000 in Phoenix — a difference of $25,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Arizona averages 0.51%.