Nashville vs Cape Coral: cost of living compared
Cape Coral is 3% cheaper than Nashville overall. Neither TN nor FL 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
Comparing Nashville and Cape Coral reveals that overall living costs are somewhat higher in Nashville. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are noticeably more expensive in the Tennessee city. Other categories like transportation and miscellaneous goods and services also contribute to Nashville's slightly elevated cost profile, while some everyday expenses are quite similar between the two locations.
Housing
Housing costs present a significant difference, with both home prices and rents generally higher in Nashville. In Cape Coral, while initial purchase prices may be lower, homeowners should anticipate higher insurance premiums, including potential flood insurance needs, and property taxes that reset upon sale. Many Florida communities also have additional homeowner association or community development district fees.
Taxes and everyday costs
Both Nashville and Cape Coral benefit from not having a state income tax. For daily expenses, transportation costs are slightly higher in Nashville, as are food expenses. Healthcare costs are roughly similar in both metros. However, utilities are noticeably more expensive in Cape Coral, which can impact monthly budgets despite other similarities in everyday spending.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these metros means adapting to different environments. Nashville offers a distinct four-season climate, while Cape Coral provides a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and a pronounced hurricane season. Both cities are largely car-dependent, with similar average commute times. Cape Coral's landscape is characterized by its extensive canal system and coastal proximity.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the budget impact will largely depend on housing choices. While Nashville generally presents a higher overall cost, particularly for housing, Cape Coral's lower home prices are offset by higher utility costs and potentially substantial homeowner's insurance expenses. Understanding these key differences is essential for a clear financial picture when weighing a relocation to either metro.
| Measure | Nashville, TN | Cape Coral, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 105 |
| Housing index | 119 | 105 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 101 |
| Food index | 98 | 97 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 110 |
| Misc index | 95 | 92 |
| Median home price | $438,000 | $368,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Average commute | 29 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Cape Coral home with the True Cost Calculator.