Cost of Living in Nashville, TN (2026) (2026)

Nashville combines zero state income tax with a booming healthcare, music, and tech economy. Music City has evolved from a country music capital into one of the South's hottest job markets.

Avg 1BR Rent

$1,680

Avg 2BR Rent

$1,950

State Tax

None

Median Income

$72,000

Affordability Rating

Tight

AffordableTightExpensive

$1,750/mo rent on $70K in Nashville

Rent Affordability by Salary in Nashville

Salary	Take-Home	Max Rent (30%)	After Expenses
$50k	$3,524	$1,250	$929	Details
$60k	$4,194	$1,500	$1,349	Details
$70k	$4,804	$1,750	$1,709	Details
$80k	$5,390	$2,000	$2,045	Details
$90k	$5,976	$2,250	$2,381	Details
$100k	$6,563	$2,500	$2,718	Details

Monthly Cost Breakdown in Nashville

Average 1BR Rent$1,680

Utilities$175

Groceries$365

Transportation$475

Healthcare$330

Total Monthly Essentials$3,025

Living in Nashville: What to Expect

Nashville is where honky-tonks meet hot chicken and healthcare startups. The city has an infectious energy—live music spills out of every block downtown, and the brunch scene is unmatched.

Best Neighborhoods for Renters

East Nashville is the creative epicenter with vintage shops and indie restaurants, while Franklin offers upscale suburban living just 20 minutes south.

Getting Around

Nashville is a car city through and through. Public transit is limited, and the interstate corridors get congested during rush hour.