Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Nashville, TN (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Nashville

Tennessee
110

Denver is 37% more expensive than Nashville.

$1,770/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,486/mo ↓ 16%
$91,681/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$75,197/yr ↓ 18%
$586,700 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$383,100 ↓ 35%
$1,839/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,471/mo ↓ 20%
713,734
Population
684,298

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Nashville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $16,484/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $383,100 in Nashville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Nashville — common questions

Is Denver or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Nashville?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Nashville it's $1,486/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Nashville?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $75,197 in Nashville. Median household income is $16,484/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Tennessee?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Nashville?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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.
View Denver details → View Nashville details →