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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Nashville is 26% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,486/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 28%
$75,197/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 26%
$383,100 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 40%
$1,471/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 36%
684,298
Population
289,691

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $416/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $4,992/year.

Median household income is $19,616/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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 Jersey City — common questions

Is Nashville or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Jersey City?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $416/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Jersey City?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $19,616/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Jersey City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Nashville and Jersey City

Nashville vs. Oklahoma City Nashville vs. El Paso Nashville vs. Denver Nashville vs. Washington Nashville vs. Seattle Nashville vs. Boston Jersey City vs. Lincoln Jersey City vs. Anchorage Jersey City vs. St. Louis Jersey City vs. Durham Jersey City vs. Greensboro Jersey City vs. Plano