Cost of Living in Nashville, NC

Population 5,672 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023

68
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Nashville offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $192,000 — costs less than 3 times median household income of $63,553, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. A poverty rate near 21% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Located 40 miles east of Raleigh, Nashville falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 49% lower than Raleigh's $378,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 63
Rent 77

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Nashville

The median home value in Nashville is $191,700 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,009/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,553/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 71.8°F and lows of 49.3°F. Overall, Nashville has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$191,700
37% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$253,629
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,009/mo
23% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,759/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$826
1 BR
$860
2 BR
$1,049
3 BR
$1,384
4 BR
$1,637
Owner-occupied 56.6%
Renter-occupied 43.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,009
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,623/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
22.0 min
19% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.1%
Carpooled
3.9%
Work from home
18.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 4.8%
Avg local rate 2.2%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$63,553
15% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,750
Unemployment Rate
12.8%
167% above avg
Poverty Rate
20.8%
Labor Force Participation
69.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.9%
Graduate degree 8.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.2
Male median age 39.1
Female median age 41

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.8°F
Avg Low
49.3°F
Annual Precip
44.4"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 525563738087918883736355
Low °F 313339485665696862503934
Precip" 3.512.873.973.612.923.904.594.924.913.163.092.93

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
29
Public schools
15,237
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Nashville, NC?

Nashville has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.

What is average rent in Nashville, NC?

The median gross rent in Nashville is $1,009 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Nashville?

The median home value in Nashville is $191,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Nashville?

The median household income in Nashville is $63,553 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Nashville, NC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Nashville is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.

Is Nashville, NC affordable?

Yes, Nashville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Nashville?

Nashville has average high temperatures of 71.8°F and average lows of 49.3°F. Annual precipitation is 44.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Nashville at a Glance

Population
5,672
Median Income
$63,553
Home Value
$191,700
Median Rent
$1,009/mo
Unemployment
12.8%
Avg High Temp
71.8°F
Sales Tax
7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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