Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Baltimore, MD (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Nashville is 31% more expensive than Baltimore.

$1,486/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↓ 13%
$75,197/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 21%
$383,100 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$219,300 ↓ 43%
$1,471/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↓ 9%
684,298
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $15,574/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Nashville or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Baltimore?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Baltimore?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $15,574/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Maryland?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,290/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Baltimore details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Nashville and Baltimore

Nashville vs. Oklahoma City Nashville vs. El Paso Nashville vs. Denver Nashville vs. Washington Nashville vs. Seattle Nashville vs. Boston Baltimore vs. Louisville Baltimore vs. Milwaukee Baltimore vs. Memphis Baltimore vs. Albuquerque Baltimore vs. Detroit Baltimore vs. Fresno