Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Providence, RI (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Nashville is 11% more expensive than Providence.

$1,486/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 10%
$75,197/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 11%
$383,100 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 16%
$1,471/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ≈ Same
684,298
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $8,425/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Rhode Island's 5.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Providence — common questions

Is Nashville or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Providence?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Providence?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $8,425/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Rhode Island?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Providence details →

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