Boise vs Nashville: cost of living compared
Nashville is 6% more expensive than Boise overall.
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
Nashville's overall cost of living is higher than Boise's. This difference is largely driven by housing expenses, which are noticeably greater in Nashville. Other categories like transportation, food, and utilities also contribute to Nashville being generally more expensive. Boise offers a slightly more affordable overall environment for residents, making it a more budget-friendly option for those considering a move between these two metros. The gap in overall expenses is significant.
Housing
Both buying and renting are more expensive in Nashville. Median home prices are higher there, and a one-bedroom rental commands a greater monthly cost. While specific ownership costs like property taxes and insurance are not detailed, the initial purchase price and ongoing rental expenses present a clear difference. Boise's housing market, while not inexpensive, offers a more accessible entry point for both homeowners and renters compared to Nashville's higher price points.
Taxes and everyday costs
Tennessee has no state income tax, which is a notable financial advantage for Nashville residents compared to Idaho. However, daily expenses like transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all higher in Nashville. This means that despite the income tax difference, the cost of routine goods and services will generally be greater in Nashville, impacting a household's daily spending and overall budget more significantly than in Boise.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Boise offers a high desert climate with distinct seasons, while Nashville experiences a humid subtropical climate with warmer, wetter conditions. Nashville's average commute time is longer, suggesting a more spread-out or congested urban environment compared to Boise's shorter typical travel. Both cities offer a distinct pace, with Nashville often perceived as a larger, more bustling metropolitan area compared to Boise's somewhat more relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom line
Moving from Boise to Nashville generally means a higher overall cost of living, primarily due to more expensive housing and increased daily expenses across several categories. While Nashville benefits from no state income tax, this advantage may be offset by the greater costs for homes, rent, transportation, and utilities. A household budget will stretch further in Boise, making it the more financially conservative choice for those weighing these two cities.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 108 |
| Housing index | 110 | 119 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 104 |
| Food index | 95 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 98 |
| Misc index | 90 | 95 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $438,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 22 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.