Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Nashville, TN (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Nashville

Tennessee
110

New York is 51% more expensive than Nashville.

$1,779/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,486/mo ↓ 16%
$79,713/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$75,197/yr ↓ 6%
$751,700 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$383,100 ↓ 49%
$1,837/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,471/mo ↓ 20%
8,516,202
Population
684,298

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Nashville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $4,516/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $383,100 in Nashville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Nashville — common questions

Is New York or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Nashville?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Nashville it's $1,486/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Nashville?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $75,197 in Nashville. Median household income is $4,516/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Tennessee?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Nashville?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/mo, while Nashville has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New York details → View Nashville details →

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