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Cost of Living in Nashville

Is it better to rent or buy in Nashville? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$43,026
$677/mo

Median in area: $677

$167,070

Median in area: $167,070

$33,414

If you Rent

$849 /mo
Base Rent$677
Est. Utilities$172
% of Income23.7%
Pre-tax Residual$2,737

If you Buy

$1,269 /mo
P&I (7.178%)$905
Taxes & Ins$192
Est. Utilities$172
% of Income35.4%
Pre-tax Residual$2,316

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Nashville?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Nashville. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $849, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,269 per month (a difference of $420).

How much do utilities cost in Nashville?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Nashville is approximately $172. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Nashville?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Nashville without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $33,960 per year.