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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs San Antonio, TX

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

9.1% San Antonio, TX is cheaper overall
24.1% 24.1% cheaper housing
3.2% 3.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.1% cheaper
Nashville
108
San Antonio
82
🛒 Groceries 3.2% cheaper
Nashville
95
San Antonio
92
🚗 Transportation 5.1% cheaper
Nashville
99
San Antonio
94
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Nashville
93
San Antonio
93
⚡ Utilities 4.1% more
Nashville
97
San Antonio
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN San Antonio, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index99909.1% less
Housing1088224.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,05023.9% less
Median Home Price$395,000$255,00035.4% less
Groceries95923.2% less
Transportation99945.1% less
Healthcare9393~Same
Utilities971014.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN San Antonio, TX
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
San Antonio, TX
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: San Antonio 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 San Antonio to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs San Antonio (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
San Antonio4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
San Antonio2.6%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
San Antonio25 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
San Antonio36
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
San Antonio42
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
San Antonio69°F
Population
Nashville689,447
San Antonio1,451,853

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Nashville vs Austin → Nashville vs Denver → Nashville vs Raleigh → San Antonio vs Portland → San Antonio vs Phoenix → San Antonio vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or San Antonio cheaper to live in?+
San Antonio is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 24.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs San Antonio?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,050/month in San Antonio — a difference of about $330 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or San Antonio?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 San Antonio?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $58,000 in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $255,000 in San Antonio — a difference of $140,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Texas averages 1.60%.