Nashville vs San Antonio: cost of living compared
San Antonio is 19% cheaper than Nashville overall. Neither TN nor TX 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
San Antonio offers a significantly lower overall cost of living compared to Nashville. The most substantial difference stems from housing expenses, which are considerably higher in Nashville. While other categories show some variation, the gap in housing costs is the primary factor driving the overall affordability difference between these two metros.
Housing
Housing costs, both for purchasing and renting, are substantially more expensive in Nashville. San Antonio presents a much more affordable market for homeownership and apartment living. While specific property taxes and insurance costs vary by location, the initial outlay for a home or monthly rent is noticeably higher in Nashville, impacting long-term housing budgets.
Taxes and everyday costs
Neither state levies a state income tax, which is a significant advantage for residents in both metros. Daily expenses for transportation, food, and healthcare are generally a bit higher in Nashville. Utilities, however, are slightly more expensive in San Antonio. Overall, routine spending on these categories will be somewhat lower in San Antonio.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Nashville experiences four distinct seasons, including humid summers and mild winters, and is known for its rolling hills and vibrant music scene. San Antonio has a warmer, more arid climate with hot summers and very mild winters, featuring a rich historical character. Both metros are car-dependent, though San Antonio's commute times are slightly shorter. Nashville has a faster-paced feel, while San Antonio often feels more relaxed.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, San Antonio generally offers a more budget-friendly environment, primarily due to its much lower housing costs. While some daily expenses are roughly similar or slightly higher in San Antonio, the substantial savings on housing in San Antonio mean that a household's overall financial outlay will likely be considerably less there than in Nashville.
| Measure | Nashville, TN | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 88 |
| Housing index | 119 | 71 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 95 |
| Food index | 98 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 102 |
| Misc index | 95 | 85 |
| Median home price | $438,000 | $248,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,100/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 San Antonio home with the True Cost Calculator.