Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee, TN (2026)

Seattle

Washington

196

Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee

Tennessee

110

Seattle is 86% more expensive than Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee.

$1,998/mo ↑ 34%

Median Rent

$1,486/mo ↓ 26%

$121,984/yr ↑ 62%

Median Income

$75,197/yr ↓ 38%

$912,100 ↑ 138%

Home Value

$383,100 ↓ 58%

$2,220/mo ↑ 51%

Owner Costs

$1,471/mo ↓ 34%

741,440

Population

684,298

Tax Comparison

Income Tax

6.5%

Sales Tax

7.0%

0.92%

Property Tax

0.64%

Affordability

19.7%

rent-to-income

Affordability

23.7%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee, saving renters about $6,144/year.

Median household income is $46,787/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $383,100 in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee — common questions

Is Seattle or Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 196 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Seattle and Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee?

Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee it's $1,486/month — a difference of $512/month.

Which city has higher income, Seattle or Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee?

Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $75,197 in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee. Median household income is $46,787/year higher in Seattle.

How do taxes compare between Washington and Tennessee?

Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.

Should I move to Seattle or Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee?

It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.