Cost of Living in Nashville, TN [2026]

Nashville, Tennessee, is a music mecca, especially for fans of honky-tonk country music. Another main draw? The relatively low cost of living in a major U.S. city. Currently, Nashville’s cost of living sits slightly above the U.S. national average—just 4.7% higher.

Not only is the city the birthplace of many country music legends, but it also has a lively culture of its own, with a thriving food and nightlife scene. This might sound like a dream for many prospective renters looking for a new city to call home. However, there are a few things to consider before moving to Nashville.

The cost of living in Nashville is generally more affordable than that of similar metropolitan areas. However, just because it's more affordable doesn't mean that all prospective renters can afford to live there.

Here's everything you need to know about the cost of living in Nashville, Tennessee, and how you can get the most bang for your buck.

Note: We used internal Apartment List inventory data and cross-referenced with neighborhood data from Rent.com to give you the most accurate snapshot of rents across Nashville as of May 2026.

Cost of Living in Nashville, TN

What Is the Cost of Living in Nashville, TN?

Nashville rents were once considered a bargain but have been rising for several years, with a recent cooling-off period. The median rent in the city sits at $1,341 for all rental units.

Currently, the average cost of living in Nashville is approximately 4.7% higher than the national average and 16.5% higher than the state average. For a major city, that’s relatively affordable compared to Atlanta (13.3% higher than the national average) and Miami (18.9% higher than the national average).

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Nashville, TN

Nashville is home to exclusive areas with a high cost of living to match the lifestyle. If you want to live in Downtown Nashville, you’ll spend around $2,105 for a one-bedroom apartment, which is 28.1% higher than the national average of $1,643.

Where Is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in Nashville, TN?

If you want to save on rent, there are still areas of Nashville that are relatively affordable. Neighborhoods like Talbot’s Corner offer one-bedroom apartments at an average monthly cost of $1,188. If you want luxury amenities or to live closer to work, consider looking for roommates to save on rent.

The average one-bedroom rent in Talbot’s Corner, $1,188 per month, is 27.7% lower than the national average of $1,370.

What Is the Average Rent in Nashville, TN?

As of May 2026, the average rent in Nashville is $1,950, which aligns with the national average of $2,102.

The city’s median rent is $1,341, up by around 0.4% from last month but down by around 4.1% from the same time last year.

The state and national averages over the past year are -3.0% and -1.7%, respectively.

Currently, the cost of living in Nashville is above the national average, outpacing it by a modest 4.7%. If you’re thinking about moving to neighborhoods or other major metropolitan cities near Nashville, here’s what you should expect to pay in rent each month, according to bedroom size.

Nashville rent prices:

Nearby large metro areas:

How Much Is a One-Bedroom Apartment in Nashville, TN?

You’ll spend an average of $1,699 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rent varies by neighborhood, with a one-bedroom apartment in Trinity Lane averaging $1,635, and a one-bedroom apartment in Talbot’s Corner costing $1,188.

Prices may also vary depending on the apartment’s amenities.

How Much Is a Two-Bedroom Apartment in Nashville, TN?

The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Nashville is currently $2,204, but average prices tend to vary by neighborhood and even by street. For example, a two-bedroom in Downtown Nashville can cost as much as $3,158, while renters living in Talbot’s Corner may spend less than $1,552 per month.

How Much Is Housing in Nashville?

Home prices in Nashville are higher than the national average, with a standard home costing $413,200, making it 22.2% higher than the national average of $338,100. It’s also 49.0% higher than the state average, which is only $277,400.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Nashville, TN?

When you move to Nashville, try following the 30% rule. Using this rule helps establish a baseline for a comfortable lifestyle in Nashville by spending no more than 30% of pretax income on housing costs.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Nashville is currently $1,699. If you want to live comfortably and afford rent, you should earn at least $67,760 a year, $5,663 a month, or around $32.67 per hour, according to the 30% rule

Of course, that figure serves more as a baseline than a hard-and-fast rule. You may need to cut costs to live the lifestyle you want or make room for debt repayments. Renting a studio apartment can help, as can splitting costs with a roommate.

It’s also a good idea to review the MIT living wage calculation for Nashville, which takes other factors into account. The living wage is the bare basic wage you need to remain above the poverty threshold in Nashville. MIT data shows a minimum wage of $24.56 per hour, or approximately $51,084 per year, for one adult without children.

A family of two working adults with two children would need $25.62 per hour each, a total household income of $106,579.20, to get by in Nashville. The living wage does not take into account debt repayments, emergencies, savings, or any extras like travel or entertainment.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Nashville is $80,090, which is 22.1% above the state median average of $65,595. However, it’s well above the Nashville living wage and the 30% rule for an average one-bedroom apartment.

How Much Is Transportation in Nashville, TN?

Transportation in Nashville can be a challenge, especially if you're considering an apartment located outside of Downtown Nashville. The streets are overtaken by thousands of residents who own personal vehicles.

So, wherever you plan to go, don't expect to get there quickly. The traffic-ridden streets will certainly slow you down. The city has a walk score of 29, a transit score of 22, and a bike score of 30.

Public transportation in Nashville is handled by the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority, also known as WeGo Public Transit. It offers bus services to residents and private paratransit services for passengers with disabilities. A full-day ticket costs $4 for an adult passenger or about $65 for a monthly pass. Tickets for two hours (unlimited) or one ride cost $2.

Nashville has no other public transit service beyond its bus lines. A referendum to add a railway and expand bus services was held in 2018, but residents rejected it.

This is partially due to the lack of effective traffic decongestion that the plan would have provided, especially because it didn't include service to the sprawling suburbs on the city's outskirts. Additionally, it would have significantly increased taxes for residents.

With worsening traffic, city leaders have worked to support new public infrastructure that facilitates easy movement around the city for residents. Currently, WeGo is expanding its bus services across the city following the approval of the “Choose How You Move” referendum. The initiative raised the sales tax by a half-penny (0.5%) and will be used to fund transportation and mobility projects.

In Nashville, it’s ideal to own a vehicle to get around. According to data from the MIT living wage calculator, a household with one adult and no children spends an average of $9,452 per year on car-based transportation, while a household with two adults and two children spends an average of $15,855 per year.

How Much Are Groceries in Nashville?

Nashville is a dining paradise where residents can eat their way through Southern staples. According to the MIT living wage estimates, a single adult without children spends an average of $4,682 per year on food. If you’re a family of two working adults and a child, you’ll spend $13,701.

If you moved to Nashville to eat your way through the city, expect to spend at least $19.25 per meal at an inexpensive restaurant without any extras. However, if you want to enjoy a meal with someone else at a midrange restaurant, expect to pay $77.50, plus a tip, for a three-course meal.

How Much Is Child Care in Nashville, TN?

Child care costs are expensive everywhere, and Nashville is no exception. MIT’s latest data shows you’ll spend around $8,584 for the annual cost of one child’s care in Nashville. For two children, you’ll spend around $17,168.

Some areas of Nashville may prove more expensive for child care than others. It’s essential to begin searching for care early and join waitlists. Any affordable daycare option will likely fill up early and require a deposit. Getting creative with part-time child shares and creative work hours with your partner or another parent can help offset the costs.

How Much Is Healthcare in Nashville, TN?

Medical expenses can be a significant burden for many families. One adult without children living in Nashville can expect to spend $3,240 per year on healthcare costs, while a family with two working adults and two children pays $11,508 per year.

How Much Are Utilities in Nashville, TN?

Your utilities in Nashville will depend on your usage, the season, and what’s included in your rent. However, based on the latest Numbeo data, utility bills in Nashville average $220.52 for water, fuel, gas, and electricity. Please note that during the summer, these figures may be higher due to increased electricity consumption for air conditioning.

If you add extras like mobile service ($76.64) and internet service with speeds of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, and cable/ADSL ($77.14), the total figure increases to $374.30 per month.

In some cases, your landlord may include your utility costs in the rent. In this case, you'll have a single bill to worry about on a monthly basis. However, this setup can also result in a higher rent price. So, if you're looking for an affordable Nashville apartment, be sure to read the fine print.

Nashville, TN, Fitness and Entertainment

You've moved to a great new city, so why not take advantage of everything it has to offer? Regardless of your personal entertainment preferences, there's something for everyone in Nashville.

There are a plethora of venues in Music City, famed for country music tunes and legends. Ryman Auditorium is one of the largest and oldest venues, one that many artists fight to book. For larger shows, expect to jam at Nissan Stadium.

To stay fit, expect to spend an average of $54.76 per month, or $657.12 per year, per adult. Keep in mind that many gyms implement application and first-time membership fees, which may increase your costs. If you don't mind the investment, many gyms also offer completely virtual memberships that enable you to follow along with various fitness classes from the comfort of your own home.

Outdoor recreation is often free, except for the cost of necessary equipment. Luckily, Nashville offers numerous outdoor recreation options that you can enjoy throughout the year. The Warner Parks, which comprise two massive parks separated by a street, are one of Nashville's most popular parks. The parks span 3,100 acres of forest and field, making it one of the largest parks in the state.

Here you'll find trails for running, walking, and biking. There are two full golf courses, a dog park, and sports fields, as well as access to several hiking trails. Of course, this is only one park, and there are tons more in the city. You can enjoy a full day of fun without paying a cent.

How Much Are Taxes in Nashville, TN?

Nashville’s city sales tax rate is 9.75%, with 7% allocated to Tennessee’s state sales tax and 2.75% dedicated to Davidson County’s local sales tax. Tennessee currently doesn’t have an individual state income tax, but it compensates by having higher property taxes and a high sales tax.

Residents of Nashville and the state of Tennessee save money on their income taxes each year; however, due to other expenses, they may end up spending as much as residents in other states.

Nashville’s Job Market

Nashville is well known for its music industry and as a place where country music stars are born. Other strong industries in the area include healthcare and tech. As of May 2026, Nashville’s unemployment rate is 2.8%, compared to the U.S. national average of 4.3%.

Find Your Next Apartment in Nashville, TN

Before making your big move, determine how much you can afford on rent. With this information, you can start searching for your next apartment. Instead of wasting time scrolling, you can take the personalized Apartment List quiz, which matches you with ideal apartments in minutes.

FAQs: What to Know About the Cost of Living in Nashville 2026

How expensive is an apartment in Nashville?

As of May 2026, a one-bedroom apartment in Nashville costs $1,699, and a two-bedroom apartment in Nashville costs $2,204. The average rent for all unit sizes stands at $1,950.

What is the cheapest rent in Nashville?

Find the cheapest rent in Nashville in neighborhoods like Talbot’s Corner, where you can find a one-bedroom apartment for $1,188 per month. If proximity to work or urban amenities is important to you, consider sharing a place with roommates to cut costs.

How expensive is it to live in Nashville?

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a household with one adult and no children needs at least $51,084 per year to live above the poverty line in Nashville. While there are various costs associated with living in the city, most expenses are in line with national averages; however, housing costs are higher, according to Best Places, at 22.2% above the national average.

Nashville residents, with one adult without children, can expect to spend an average of $4,682 on food, $3,240 on healthcare, and $9,452 on car-based transportation each year, according to the Living Wage Calculator.

What is the population of Nashville?

The latest census data as of May 2026 puts Nashville’s population at 689,447 people, versus the total Tennessee population of 6,910,840.

What is a good salary in Nashville?

Based on the 30% rule and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment, Nashville residents should earn around $67,760 a year to live comfortably in the average one-bedroom apartment at an average price of $1,699 per month.

MIT data suggests that a salary of $51,084 is enough for a single adult without children to remain above the poverty line, but this figure doesn’t include extras like vacation or paying off debt. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Nashville’s median household income is $80,090.