Nashville vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando 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
Overall, the cost of living in Orlando is slightly lower than in Nashville. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are noticeably higher in Nashville. Other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare show similar costs in both metros, with utilities being a bit higher in Orlando. For most households, the biggest budget impact when comparing these two cities will stem from housing prices.
Housing
Housing costs present a significant distinction between these two metros. Nashville's median home prices are considerably higher than Orlando's, though median rents for a one-bedroom apartment are roughly similar. Buyers in Florida should be aware of potentially higher homeowners insurance premiums and the possibility of flood insurance, along with property taxes resetting to market value upon sale. Many newer communities in Orlando also include HOA or CDD fees.
Taxes and everyday costs
Both states do not levy a state income tax, which is a significant advantage for residents in either metro. Daily expenses for food and healthcare are comparable between Nashville and Orlando. Transportation costs are also quite similar, as are average commute times. However, utilities tend to be a bit higher in Orlando, while miscellaneous expenses are slightly lower there compared to Nashville.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Nashville offers a distinct four-season climate, while Orlando is known for its subtropical weather, characterized by warm temperatures year-round and a hurricane season during summer and fall. Both cities are major tourist destinations, leading to a generally active environment. Getting around by car is common in both, with similar average commute times. Orlando's development often includes master-planned communities, while Nashville has a mix of historic and newer areas.
Bottom line
Moving between Nashville and Orlando would mean a noticeable shift in housing expenses, with Nashville generally requiring a larger budget for homeownership. While many other daily costs like food, transportation, and healthcare are comparable, Orlando's slightly higher utility costs and specific Florida homeownership expenses like insurance should be factored in. The absence of state income tax in both locations provides a consistent benefit to household budgets.
| Measure | Nashville, TN | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 105 |
| Housing index | 119 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 104 |
| Food index | 98 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 108 |
| Misc index | 95 | 92 |
| Median home price | $438,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/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 Orlando home with the True Cost Calculator.