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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Salt Lake City, UT

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

6.1% Salt Lake City, UT is more expensive overall
11.1% 11.1% more expensive 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 11.1% more
Nashville
108
Salt Lake City
120
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Nashville
95
Salt Lake City
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Salt Lake City
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Nashville
93
Salt Lake City
96
⚡ Utilities 9.3% cheaper
Nashville
97
Salt Lake City
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Salt Lake City, UT Difference
Overall Cost Index991056.1% more
Housing10812011.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,3502.2% less
Median Home Price$395,000$475,00020.3% more
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation99100~Same
Healthcare93963.2% more
Utilities97889.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Salt Lake City, UT
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.65%
State Sales Tax7.00%6.10%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.52%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Salt Lake City (105). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Salt Lake City2.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Salt Lake City3.7%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Salt Lake City22 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Salt Lake City57
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Salt Lake City55
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Salt Lake City52°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Salt Lake City204,657

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 11.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Salt Lake City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,350/month in Salt Lake City — a difference of about $30 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Salt Lake City?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $73,000 in Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $475,000 in Salt Lake City — a difference of $80,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Utah averages 0.52%.