Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Nashville, TN (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Nashville

Tennessee
110

Seattle is 78% more expensive than Nashville.

$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

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State 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, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Nashville, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Nashville — common questions

Is Seattle or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville 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?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Nashville it's $1,486/month — a difference of $512/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Nashville?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $75,197 in Nashville. 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?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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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