Cost of Living in Nashville-Davidson, TN

Population 684,298 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

121
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

As one of the larger cities in Tennessee, Nashville-Davidson carries the economic weight typical of a major metro — diversified employment, a broader housing market, and household incomes around $75,197 that reflect a mix of high and low earners.

Cost Overview

Housing 126
Rent 113

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

About the Cost of Living in Nashville-Davidson

The median home value in Nashville-Davidson is $383,100 — 26% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,486/month, 13% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $75,197/year is 1% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 71.6°F and lows of 50.1°F, with about 4.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Nashville-Davidson has a cost of living index of 121 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$383,100
26% above avg
Median Rent
$1,486/mo
13% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.5x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$731
1 BR
$809
2 BR
$948
3 BR
$1,265
4 BR
$1,510
Owner-occupied 53.0%
Renter-occupied 47.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,486
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,100/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
27.0 min
0% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.1%
Carpooled
8.3%
Public transit
1.7%
Walked
1.9%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
18.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 9.6%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$75,197
1% above avg
Per Capita Income
$46,820
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5% below avg
Poverty Rate
14.1%
Labor Force Participation
72.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.1%
Graduate degree 17.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.4
Male median age 34.2
Female median age 34.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.6°F
Avg Low
50.1°F
Annual Precip
50.5"
Annual Snowfall
4.7"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 495463738088919084746152
Low °F 303340495866716962503933
Precip" 4.024.474.524.725.024.364.163.793.803.363.864.43
Snow" 2.01.50.70.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.10.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 53 — Moderate
37.3%
Good air days/yr
133
Max AQI recorded
285
PM2.5 days
77
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Nashville-Davidson, TN?

Nashville-Davidson has a cost index of 121 (100 = national average). It is 21% above the national average.

What is average rent in Nashville-Davidson, TN?

The median gross rent in Nashville-Davidson is $1,486 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Nashville-Davidson?

The median home value in Nashville-Davidson is $383,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Nashville-Davidson?

The median household income in Nashville-Davidson is $75,197 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Nashville-Davidson, TN?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Nashville-Davidson is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.

Is Nashville-Davidson, TN affordable?

Nashville-Davidson is above average in cost of living, with an index of 121 — about 21% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Nashville-Davidson?

Nashville-Davidson has average high temperatures of 71.6°F and average lows of 50.1°F. Annual precipitation is 50.5". Average annual snowfall is 4.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Nashville-Davidson at a Glance

Population
684,298
Median Income
$75,197
Home Value
$383,100
Median Rent
$1,486/mo
Unemployment
4.6%
Avg High Temp
71.6°F
Sales Tax
9.6%
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