Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Kansas City, MO (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Kansas City

Missouri
80

Nashville is 38% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,486/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,186/mo ↓ 20%
$75,197/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$67,449/yr ↓ 10%
$383,100 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$227,000 ↓ 41%
$1,471/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,205/mo ↓ 18%
684,298
Population
508,233

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Kansas City, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $7,748/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $227,000 in Kansas City.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Nashville or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Kansas City?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Kansas City it's $1,186/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Kansas City?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $67,449 in Kansas City. Median household income is $7,748/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Missouri?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,186/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Kansas City details →

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