Cost of Living in Nashville

The cost of living in Nashville is higher than the Tennessee state average, although the state as a whole is well below the US national baseline. Newcomers are still likely to find it more affordable than most large coastal cities, and because Tennessee levies no state income tax, more of your pay stays in your pocket.

Cost of accommodation in Nashville

The cost of accommodation in Nashville will likely account for the biggest part of your budget. Accommodation in Nashville is not as expensive as in the highest-priced US housing markets, but the city is no longer the bargain it once was.

Rental prices in Nashville are a little higher than the national average, even for apartments in the city centre. A wave of new apartment construction has taken some heat out of headline rents, yet many renters still report feeling squeezed, as wages have not kept pace with housing costs. Of course, rents differ from one neighbourhood to the next, and you will pay more in the most sought-after areas. If you’re looking to live close to downtown Nashville or near Music Row, for example, the cost of rent is bound to be high.

Many newcomers rent or buy in cheaper surrounding counties such as Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford, and Sumner, and commute into the city.

As for buying, Nashville’s growth and popularity have supported steady buyer demand, and many buyers see property here as a strong long-term prospect. Property tax is worth factoring in if you buy. Davidson County’s rate is on the higher side, but Tennessee taxes homes on only a quarter of their market value, so the effective burden is lower than the headline rate suggests.

Renting Accommodation in Nashville
Best Neighbourhoods in Nashville

Cost of transport in Nashville

The cost of transport in Nashville is something new arrivals should factor into their budgets; Nashville is spread out, and there are significant distances between neighbourhoods. Public transport in Nashville is affordable, but it is not a practical option for most people. WeGo Public Transit operates the bus network, although routes can be infrequent and schedules are not always reliable, particularly outside core corridors. For these reasons, most locals bite the bullet and get their own set of wheels.

Car prices are in line with the national market, so buyers should budget for purchase or lease costs alongside running expenses. Drivers need to factor in petrol (gas), registration fees, monthly car insurance premiums, and routine maintenance, all of which add up. Fuel costs in Tennessee have historically been at or slightly below the national average, which is welcome given the amount of driving the average Nashville resident does.

Getting Around in Nashville

Cost of groceries in Nashville

The cost of groceries in Nashville is roughly in line with the national average. Budget-friendly supermarkets such as Aldi, Kroger, Publix, and United Grocery Outlet often run sales, and in-season produce tends to be cheaper. Bulk purchases can also help keep your grocery bill in check.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Nashville

The cost of entertainment and eating out in Nashville depends heavily on how you like to spend your evenings. There are plenty of opportunities to splurge. An evening of craft cocktails at a rooftop bar, a fine dining meal, a premium seat at the Grand Ole Opry, or a ticket to a sold-out show can easily cost a pretty penny.

On the flip side, there’s also plenty to get up to without breaking the bank. Nashville is famous for its hearty Southern cooking; at the city’s iconic hot chicken joints and beloved meat and three restaurants, you get generous portions for very little.

A cost-effective way to stay fit without paying for an expensive gym membership is to hit one of the hiking or biking trails at Radnor Lake State Park.

Tickets to see top musicians will not come cheap, but new Nashville residents will soon learn that the famous honky-tonks on Broadway are brilliant places to catch some surprisingly good music, often with no cover charge.

Newcomers may need to stay flexible and open minded at first, but there is plenty of fun to be had on any budget.

Lifestyle in Nashville

Cost of education in Nashville

The cost of education in Nashville depends on the schooling path parents choose for their children. Newcomers to Nashville will have hundreds of private and public school options to pick from, so it most likely won’t be a straightforward decision.

Attending a public school in Nashville, including a charter or magnet school, costs next to nothing, and the standard of education is usually good. Private schools set their own fees. Tuition can be pricey, and fees are usually higher for older children. Additional expenses will include uniforms, textbooks, stationery, extracurricular activities, and field trips.

Education and Schools in Nashville

Cost of healthcare in Nashville

The cost of healthcare in Nashville is somewhat offset by the city’s standing as one of the country’s foremost medical hubs. Over 900 healthcare companies are based in Middle Tennessee, and the industry is Nashville’s largest employer. Healthcare costs are generally reported to be somewhat lower than the national average, but we recommend having a good health insurance plan regardless. There are plenty of health insurance schemes available, but we advise new arrivals to take some time to research the one that best fits their needs.

Anyone moving to Nashville for a job should confirm whether their employer contributes towards medical insurance. It’s a common benefit in the US and can make a considerable difference to the budget.

Healthcare in Nashville
Understanding Health Insurance in the USA