Austin vs Nashville: cost of living compared
Nashville is 8% cheaper than Austin overall. Neither TX nor TN has a state income tax.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Overall, the cost of living is noticeably higher in Austin compared to Nashville. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are significantly greater in Austin. While other categories like transportation, food, and utilities also contribute to the gap, housing stands out as the biggest factor influencing the total cost of living between these two dynamic metros.
Housing
Both buying and renting are more expensive in Austin than in Nashville. Median home prices show a clear difference, and monthly rent for a one-bedroom unit is also higher in Austin. Both cities feature a mix of housing types, from older established neighborhoods to newer developments. Property taxes and insurance costs are important considerations in both states, which do not have state income tax.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all somewhat higher in Austin. Commute times are roughly similar, though Austin's is slightly longer on average. Neither state levies a state income tax, which is a benefit in both locations. However, the cumulative effect of these everyday costs means routine spending tends to be more economical in Nashville.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Austin offers a vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere with a strong tech presence and a desert-like climate, experiencing hot summers. Nashville, known for its music scene and Southern charm, has a humid subtropical climate with warm summers. Both metros are car-dependent, though each has some public transit options. Austin generally feels more sprawling, while Nashville maintains a slightly more compact urban core.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, Nashville generally offers a more budget-friendly option across most spending categories, particularly for housing. While both cities provide a high quality of life and diverse opportunities, a household's financial outlay will likely be greater in Austin. The absence of state income tax in both locations is a consistent financial advantage.
| Measure | Austin, TX | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 108 |
| Housing index | 132 | 119 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 104 |
| Food index | 102 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 98 |
| Misc index | 102 | 95 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $438,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 30 min | 29 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Nashville home with the True Cost Calculator.