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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Seattle, WA

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

25.3% Seattle, WA is more expensive overall
44.4% 44.4% more expensive housing
13.7% 13.7% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 44.4% more
Nashville
108
Seattle
156
🛒 Groceries 13.7% more
Nashville
95
Seattle
108
🚗 Transportation 19.2% more
Nashville
99
Seattle
118
🏥 Healthcare 18.3% more
Nashville
93
Seattle
110
⚡ Utilities 6.2% cheaper
Nashville
97
Seattle
91

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Seattle, WA Difference
Overall Cost Index9912425.3% more
Housing10815644.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$2,05048.6% more
Median Home Price$395,000$780,00097.5% more
Groceries9510813.7% more
Transportation9911819.2% more
Healthcare9311018.3% more
Utilities97916.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Seattle, WA
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.00%6.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.84%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Seattle, WA
$110,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Seattle outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Seattle (124). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Seattle3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Seattle3.8%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Seattle30 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Seattle73
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Seattle40
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Seattle52°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Seattle749,256

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Planning Your Move?

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Seattle cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 44.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Seattle?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $2,050/month in Seattle — a difference of about $670 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Seattle?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $110,000 in Seattle. 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 Seattle?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $780,000 in Seattle — a difference of $385,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Washington averages 0.84%.