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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Nashville

Tennessee
110

Phoenix and Nashville have a similar cost of living.

$1,458/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,486/mo ↑ 2%
$77,041/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$75,197/yr ↓ 2%
$381,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$383,100 ≈ Same
$1,430/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,471/mo ↑ 3%
1,624,832
Population
684,298

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Nashville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,844/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $383,100 in Nashville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Nashville — common questions

Is Phoenix or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Nashville?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Nashville it's $1,486/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Nashville?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $75,197 in Nashville. Median household income is $1,844/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Nashville?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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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