Denver vs Nashville: cost of living compared
Nashville is 16% cheaper than Denver overall. Nashville (TN) has no state income tax; CO tops out around 4.4%.
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
Moving between Denver and Nashville presents a noticeable shift in overall cost of living. Denver is considerably more expensive than the national average, while Nashville is closer to it. The most significant factor driving this difference is housing, which is substantially higher in Denver. Other categories like food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services also contribute to Denver's higher costs, though utilities and transportation expenses are roughly similar between the two cities.
Housing
Housing costs show a substantial gap, with both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents being significantly higher in Denver. Nashville offers more affordable options for both buying and renting. Denver's housing stock often includes a mix of older and newer construction, with a strong demand for properties. Nashville's housing market is also competitive, but its prices are more accessible. Property taxes and insurance costs can vary, impacting the total cost of homeownership in either location.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary, with Denver generally being more costly across several categories. Food and healthcare expenses are somewhat higher in Denver, while utilities are comparable. A key difference for residents is state income tax; Colorado has a moderate state income tax, whereas Tennessee does not levy one on wages. Transportation costs, including fuel and vehicle maintenance, are quite similar, and average commute times are also nearly identical in both metropolitan areas.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a mover would notice distinct lifestyle differences. Denver offers a mountainous, high-altitude climate with four distinct seasons, including snowy winters and dry summers. Its urban core is dense, with a focus on outdoor activities and a well-developed public transit system. Nashville, in contrast, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, and its flatter terrain. It is known for its vibrant music scene and a more car-dependent transportation character.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two metros, the impact on the budget is clear. Nashville generally offers a more affordable cost of living, primarily due to its significantly lower housing expenses and the absence of a state income tax. While some daily costs like transportation and utilities are comparable, Denver's higher prices for homes, rent, food, and healthcare mean a household budget will stretch further in Nashville, allowing for different financial priorities.
| Measure | Denver, CO | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 108 |
| Housing index | 146 | 119 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 104 |
| Food index | 105 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 98 |
| Misc index | 108 | 95 |
| Median home price | $548,000 | $438,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,950/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 28 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.