Cost of Living: Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee, TN vs Boston, MA (2026)

Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee

Tennessee
110
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee is 66% cheaper than Boston.

$1,486/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 41%
$75,197/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↑ 26%
$383,100 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$710,400 ↑ 85%
$1,471/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↑ 48%
684,298
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee, TN and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $607/month cheaper in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee, saving renters about $7,284/year.

Median household income is $19,558/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee is $383,100 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee vs Boston — common questions

Is Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee and Boston?
Median rent in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee is $1,486/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $607/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee or Boston?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $19,558/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Massachusetts?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Boston has a cost index of 176 with rent of $2,093/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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