Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Nashville and Elizabeth have a similar cost of living.

$1,486/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 2%
$75,197/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 15%
$383,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 3%
$1,471/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 5%
684,298
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,323/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Nashville or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $11,323/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and New Jersey?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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