Nashville vs Tucson: cost of living compared
Tucson is 19% cheaper than Nashville overall. Nashville (TN) has no state income tax; AZ tops out around 2.5%.
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 Tucson, driven primarily by a significant difference in housing expenses. While some categories like food and healthcare show a smaller gap, the cumulative effect means a household budget in Nashville will generally stretch less far. Tucson presents a more budget-friendly option across most spending areas.
Housing
Housing costs, whether buying or renting, are considerably higher in Nashville. The median home price in Nashville is substantially greater, and rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment also show a significant difference. Tucson offers much more affordable housing options, with a median home price that is considerably lower. Both metros feature a mix of housing types, but the entry point for ownership is far more accessible in Tucson.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary, with Tucson generally offering lower costs for food, healthcare, and transportation. Nashville's transportation costs are somewhat higher, and while utilities are roughly similar, Tucson's are slightly elevated. A key difference is state income tax; Arizona has a state income tax, whereas Tennessee does not, which impacts take-home pay and overall daily spending power.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Nashville offers a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, known for its music scene and growing urban density. Tucson, in contrast, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, characterized by its arid landscape and a generally more relaxed pace. Commute times are somewhat shorter in Tucson, and both cities rely heavily on personal vehicles for getting around.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, Tucson generally offers a more economical lifestyle across the board, particularly in housing. While Nashville provides a vibrant atmosphere and no state income tax, the higher cost of living, especially for housing, means a household budget will need to be larger to maintain a similar standard of living compared to Tucson.
| Measure | Nashville, TN | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 88 |
| Housing index | 119 | 78 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 89 |
| Food index | 98 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 108 |
| Misc index | 95 | 82 |
| Median home price | $438,000 | $278,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Average commute | 29 min | 25 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Tucson home with the True Cost Calculator.