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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Portland, OR

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

15.2% Portland, OR is more expensive overall
27.8% 27.8% more expensive housing
8.4% 8.4% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 27.8% more
Nashville
108
Portland
138
🛒 Groceries 8.4% more
Nashville
95
Portland
103
🚗 Transportation 9.1% more
Nashville
99
Portland
108
🏥 Healthcare 15.1% more
Nashville
93
Portland
107
⚡ Utilities 9.3% cheaper
Nashville
97
Portland
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Portland, OR Difference
Overall Cost Index9911415.2% more
Housing10813827.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,55012.3% more
Median Home Price$395,000$485,00022.8% more
Groceries951038.4% more
Transportation991089.1% more
Healthcare9310715.1% more
Utilities97889.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Portland, OR
State Income TaxNone (0%)8.75% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%None (0%)
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.82%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Portland, OR
$79,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Portland 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 Portland to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Portland (114). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Portland4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Portland2.2%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Portland27 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Portland65
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Portland42
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Portland54°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Portland652,503

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Portland cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 27.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Portland?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,550/month in Portland — a difference of about $170 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Portland?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $79,000 in Portland. 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 Portland?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $485,000 in Portland — a difference of $90,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Oregon averages 0.82%.