Nashville vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 12% 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
Overall, the cost of living is noticeably higher in Nashville compared to Jacksonville. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are significantly more expensive in Nashville. While some categories like utilities are slightly higher in Jacksonville, the substantial gap in housing costs makes Nashville the more expensive option for most residents when considering a move between these two cities.
Housing
Housing costs present the largest difference, with both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents being considerably higher in Nashville. Jacksonville offers more affordable housing options. However, potential homeowners in Florida should factor in higher homeowners insurance premiums, the possibility of flood insurance requirements, and property taxes that reset to market value upon purchase, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily spending on essentials varies, with food, transportation, and healthcare generally costing less in Jacksonville. Utilities, however, are a bit higher in Jacksonville. Both states do not levy a state income tax, meaning take-home pay is not directly impacted by this factor in either location. Commute times are roughly similar, suggesting comparable daily travel demands.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Jacksonville offers a coastal lifestyle with a warm, humid climate and access to beaches, though it experiences hurricane season. Nashville, an inland city, has a more varied four-season climate. Both cities are car-dependent, but Jacksonville generally feels more sprawling. Nashville is known for its vibrant cultural scene, while Jacksonville offers extensive outdoor and water-based recreation.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing a lower overall cost of living, Jacksonville generally presents a more budget-friendly option, largely due to its more accessible housing market. While some Florida-specific ownership costs like insurance and property taxes can be higher, these are often offset by the initial savings on home prices and generally lower everyday expenses compared to Nashville. A move to Jacksonville typically means a more favorable household budget.
| Measure | Nashville, TN | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 95 |
| Housing index | 119 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 96 |
| Food index | 98 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 105 |
| Misc index | 95 | 88 |
| Median home price | $438,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Average commute | 29 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Jacksonville home with the True Cost Calculator.