Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Nashville is 13% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,486/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 7%
$75,197/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 12%
$383,100 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 19%
$1,471/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 19%
684,298
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $8,660/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Nashville or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Tacoma?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $8,660/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Washington?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Tacoma details →

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