Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Nashville, TN (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Nashville

Tennessee
110

Austin is 22% more expensive than Nashville.

$1,655/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,486/mo ↓ 10%
$91,461/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$75,197/yr ↓ 18%
$512,700 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$383,100 ↓ 25%
$1,747/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,471/mo ↓ 16%
967,862
Population
684,298

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Nashville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $16,264/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $383,100 in Nashville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Nashville — common questions

Is Austin or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Nashville?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Nashville it's $1,486/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Nashville?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $75,197 in Nashville. Median household income is $16,264/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Nashville?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Nashville has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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