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

Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee

Tennessee
110
VS

Washington

District of Columbia
171

Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee is 61% cheaper than Washington.

$1,486/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,900/mo ↑ 28%
$75,197/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$106,287/yr ↑ 41%
$383,100 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$724,600 ↑ 89%
$1,471/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,103/mo ↑ 43%
684,298
Population
672,079

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.56%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee, TN and Washington, DC, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $31,090/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee is $383,100 compared to $724,600 in Washington.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Is Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee or Washington 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 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee and Washington?
Median rent in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee is $1,486/month and in Washington it's $1,900/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee or Washington?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee and $106,287 in Washington. Median household income is $31,090/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and District of Columbia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee or Washington?
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 Washington has a cost index of 171 with rent of $1,900/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee details → View Washington details →