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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Nashville is 33% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,486/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 29%
$75,197/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 43%
$383,100 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 85%
$1,471/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 24%
684,298
Population
242,169

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
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $32,175/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Nashville or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $32,175/year higher in Scottsdale.
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 Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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