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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Raleigh, NC

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

1.0% Raleigh, NC 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
Raleigh
104
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Nashville
95
Raleigh
97
🚗 Transportation 3.0% cheaper
Nashville
99
Raleigh
96
🏥 Healthcare 7.5% more
Nashville
93
Raleigh
100
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Nashville
97
Raleigh
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Raleigh, NC Difference
Overall Cost Index9998~Same
Housing1081043.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,3502.2% less
Median Home Price$395,000$385,0002.5% less
Groceries95972.1% more
Transportation99963.0% less
Healthcare931007.5% more
Utilities9798~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Raleigh, NC
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.50%
State Sales Tax7.00%4.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.70%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Raleigh outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Raleigh to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Raleigh (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Raleigh3.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Raleigh3.9%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Raleigh24 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Raleigh30
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Raleigh35
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Raleigh60°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Raleigh469,698

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Raleigh cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh 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 Raleigh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,350/month in Raleigh — a difference of about $30 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Raleigh?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $78,000 in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $385,000 in Raleigh — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while North Carolina averages 0.70%.