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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Nashville is 54% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,486/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 85%
$75,197/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 68%
$383,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 172%
$1,471/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 79%
684,298
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,256/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $15,072/year.

Median household income is $51,272/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Nashville or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Cambridge?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,256/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Cambridge?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $51,272/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Cambridge details →

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