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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Tucson, AZ

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

8.1% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
22.2% 22.2% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.2% cheaper
Nashville
108
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Nashville
95
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation 3.0% cheaper
Nashville
99
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Nashville
93
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 7.2% more
Nashville
97
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index99918.1% less
Housing1088422.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,00027.5% less
Median Home Price$395,000$270,00031.6% less
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation99963.0% less
Healthcare9392~Same
Utilities971047.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Tucson, AZ
State Income TaxNone (0%)2.50%
State Sales Tax7.00%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Tucson, AZ
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Tucson 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 Tucson to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Tucson542,629

Moving from Nashville to Tucson?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Nashville vs Austin → Nashville vs Denver → Nashville vs Raleigh → Tucson vs Portland → Tucson vs Phoenix → Tucson vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Tucson cheaper to live in?+
Tucson is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 22.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $380 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Tucson?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Tucson?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $52,000 in Tucson. 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 Tucson?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $125,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Arizona averages 0.51%.