Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Mesa, AZ (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Nashville is 3% more expensive than Mesa.

$1,486/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ≈ Same
$75,197/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↑ 5%
$383,100 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$364,300 ↓ 5%
$1,471/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↓ 5%
684,298
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,582/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Mesa — common questions

Is Nashville or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Mesa?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Mesa?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $3,582/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Arizona?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Mesa has a cost index of 107 with rent of $1,478/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Mesa details →

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