Cleveland vs Nashville: cost of living compared
Nashville is 32% more expensive than Cleveland overall. Nashville (TN) has no state income tax; OH tops out around 3.5%.
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 in Cleveland is considerably lower than in Nashville. This difference is largely driven by housing expenses, which are substantially more affordable in Cleveland. Other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also contribute to Cleveland's lower overall cost, while utilities are roughly comparable between the two metros. Moving from Nashville to Cleveland would likely result in significant savings across most household budgets.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast, with Cleveland being noticeably more affordable for both home purchases and rentals. The median home price in Cleveland is significantly lower, as is the typical rent for a one-bedroom apartment. While specific property taxes and insurance vary, the initial investment for homeownership is much less in Cleveland, where housing stock often includes a mix of older, established homes and newer developments.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also differ, particularly due to state income tax. Ohio has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. Beyond taxes, Cleveland offers lower costs for groceries, transportation, and healthcare compared to Nashville. Utility costs are quite similar in both cities. These differences mean that everyday spending on essential goods and services will generally be more economical in Cleveland.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these metros involves lifestyle shifts. Cleveland experiences four distinct seasons, including colder winters with snow, while Nashville has a milder, humid subtropical climate. Both cities are car-dependent, with similar average commute times, but Nashville's growth has led to increased traffic. Cleveland offers a more established, industrial-era urban landscape, while Nashville has a reputation for rapid expansion and a vibrant music scene.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Cleveland offers a substantially lower cost of living, primarily due to its much more affordable housing market. While Nashville benefits from no state income tax, this advantage is often outweighed by its higher expenses across most other categories. A household budget will stretch considerably further in Cleveland, allowing for greater financial flexibility compared to Nashville.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 108 |
| Housing index | 57 | 119 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 104 |
| Food index | 90 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 98 |
| Misc index | 82 | 95 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $438,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 26 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.