Cost of Living: Austin vs Nashville (2026)
Compare cost of living: Austin vs Nashville. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Nashville is 6% cheaper.
Austin is approximately 6% more expensive than Nashville overall. The cost difference is modest but adds up across housing, food, and transportation. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Austin vs Nashville including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Austin or Nashville is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Austin | Nashville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 109 | +6% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $1,650/mo | $1,600/mo | +$50 |
| Median Salary | $62,000 | $55,000 | +$7,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $93 | $90 | +$3 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $98 | $95 | +$3 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Austin, you would need approximately $71,087 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Nashville requires $79,128 in Austin.
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in Nashville |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,391 |
| $75,000 | $71,087 |
| $100,000 | $94,783 |
| $125,000 | $118,478 |
| $150,000 | $142,174 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $1,650 in Austin vs $1,600 in Nashville — $50/month or $600/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.