Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Nashville, TN (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Nashville

Tennessee
110

Philadelphia is 23% cheaper than Nashville.

$1,323/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,486/mo ↑ 12%
$60,698/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$75,197/yr ↑ 24%
$232,400 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$383,100 ↑ 65%
$1,233/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,471/mo ↑ 19%
1,582,432
Population
684,298

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Nashville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $14,499/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $383,100 in Nashville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Nashville — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Nashville?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Nashville it's $1,486/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Nashville?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $75,197 in Nashville. Median household income is $14,499/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Tennessee?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Nashville?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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