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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Washington, DC

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

31.3% Washington, DC is more expensive overall
50.0% 50.0% 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 50.0% more
Nashville
108
Washington
162
🛒 Groceries 13.7% more
Nashville
95
Washington
108
🚗 Transportation 23.2% more
Nashville
99
Washington
122
🏥 Healthcare 18.3% more
Nashville
93
Washington
110
⚡ Utilities 8.2% more
Nashville
97
Washington
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Washington, DC Difference
Overall Cost Index9913031.3% more
Housing10816250.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$2,20059.4% more
Median Home Price$395,000$620,00057.0% more
Groceries9510813.7% more
Transportation9912223.2% more
Healthcare9311018.3% more
Utilities971058.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Washington, DC
State Income TaxNone (0%)10.75% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Washington, DC
$105,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Washington outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Washington (130). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Washington4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Washington2.4%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Washington34 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Washington77
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Washington42
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Washington57°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Washington689,545

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Washington cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 50.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Washington?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $2,200/month in Washington — a difference of about $820 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Washington?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Washington?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $105,000 in Washington. 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 Washington?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $620,000 in Washington — a difference of $225,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while District of Columbia averages 0.56%.