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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Nashville is 13% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,486/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 29%
$75,197/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 24%
$383,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 3%
$1,471/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 8%
684,298
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $431/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $5,172/year.

Median household income is $18,174/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Surprise — common questions

Is Nashville or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Surprise?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $431/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Surprise?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $18,174/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Nashville and Surprise

Nashville vs. Oklahoma City Nashville vs. El Paso Nashville vs. Denver Nashville vs. Washington Nashville vs. Seattle Nashville vs. Boston Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite