Nashville vs Philadelphia: cost of living compared
Philadelphia is 4% more expensive than Nashville overall. Nashville (TN) has no state income tax; PA tops out around 3.07%.
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 somewhat higher in Philadelphia compared to Nashville. While Nashville's housing market is noticeably more expensive, Philadelphia's higher costs for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities contribute to its slightly elevated overall index. The absence of a state income tax in Tennessee also plays a significant role in the financial landscape for residents considering a move between these two cities.
Housing
Housing costs present a significant difference, with Nashville being considerably more expensive for both home purchases and rentals. Philadelphia offers a much lower median home price, and its median one-bedroom rent is also slightly less. Beyond the mortgage, property taxes tend to be higher in Philadelphia, reflecting its older, denser housing stock and established urban infrastructure, which can impact overall ownership expenses.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary, with Philadelphia generally having higher costs for food, healthcare, and utilities compared to Nashville. A key financial difference is Tennessee's lack of a state income tax, which Pennsylvania does have, impacting take-home pay. Transportation costs are also notably higher in Philadelphia, influencing the overall budget for getting around and daily errands.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Nashville offers a warmer climate with distinct seasons, while Philadelphia experiences more pronounced four seasons, including colder winters and occasional snow. Philadelphia boasts a more extensive public transit system, making it easier to navigate without a car, contributing to its denser, more walkable urban feel. Nashville, while growing, typically has a more car-dependent culture and a slightly faster average commute time.
Bottom line
Moving between Nashville and Philadelphia means trading different sets of expenses. While Nashville's housing market is significantly pricier, Philadelphia's higher costs for everyday necessities, transportation, and the presence of a state income tax could offset some of its housing savings. A household's budget will be impacted by how heavily they weigh housing costs versus other daily expenditures and income tax obligations.
| Measure | Nashville, TN | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 112 |
| Housing index | 119 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 120 |
| Food index | 98 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 105 |
| Misc index | 95 | 102 |
| Median home price | $438,000 | $298,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 29 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Philadelphia home with the True Cost Calculator.