Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Boston, MA (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Nashville 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, 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, 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 is $383,100 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Boston — common questions

Is Nashville or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Boston?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $607/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Boston?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville 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 or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville 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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