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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Nashville is 8% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,486/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 9%
$75,197/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 3%
$383,100 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 10%
$1,471/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 6%
684,298
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $2,446/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Tempe — common questions

Is Nashville or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Tempe?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Tempe?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $2,446/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Tempe details →

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