Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Nashville is 9% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,486/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 4%
$75,197/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 8%
$383,100 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 14%
$1,471/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 11%
684,298
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $5,892/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Nashville or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $5,892/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Michigan?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Ann Arbor details →

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