Dallas vs Nashville: cost of living compared
Nashville is 3% more expensive than Dallas 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, Nashville presents a slightly higher cost of living compared to Dallas. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are noticeably steeper in Nashville for both purchasing and renting. While other categories like transportation and food are quite similar between the two metros, the housing market creates the most significant budgetary distinction for residents considering a move.
Housing
Housing costs show a considerable gap, with Nashville being more expensive for both median home prices and typical one-bedroom apartment rents. Dallas offers more affordable options in both categories. Both metros feature a mix of housing types, from single-family homes to apartments, but the entry point for homeownership or renting is generally lower in Dallas. Property taxes and insurance costs can vary, impacting total ownership expenses.
Taxes and everyday costs
Neither Dallas nor Nashville levies a state income tax, which is a significant advantage for residents in both locations. Daily expenses for transportation, food, and healthcare are roughly comparable, with only minor differences. Utilities are slightly higher in Dallas, while miscellaneous goods and services are a bit more affordable in Nashville. Commute times are similar, suggesting comparable daily travel patterns.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Dallas, located in North Texas, experiences hot summers and mild winters, with a generally flat landscape. Nashville, nestled in Middle Tennessee, also has warm summers but enjoys more distinct seasons with cooler winters and a more rolling, green topography. Both are car-dependent metros, though Dallas has a more extensive public transit system. Dallas offers a sprawling, big-city feel, while Nashville maintains a slightly smaller, more intimate urban core.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, the primary financial consideration between Dallas and Nashville will be housing. Dallas generally offers a more accessible housing market, which can significantly impact a household budget. While other daily costs are quite similar, the difference in housing affordability means that a move to Nashville could entail a higher overall expenditure, even without state income tax in either location.
| Measure | Dallas, TX | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 105 | 108 |
| Housing index | 99 | 119 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 104 |
| Food index | 98 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 98 |
| Misc index | 98 | 95 |
| Median home price | $358,000 | $438,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 29 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.