🇺🇸 Austin vs 🇺🇸 Nashville
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Austin
United States
$2,523–$3,995/mo
$2,523 – $3,995 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Nashville
United States
$2,338–$3,703/mo
$2,338 – $3,703 / month (local)
Austin is 8% more expensive
Nashville wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Austin (USD) | Nashville (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $1,754–$2,728 | 🟢 Nashville |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $926–$1,462 | 🟢 Nashville |
| Utilities | $79–$152 | $73–$141 | 🟢 Nashville |
| Groceries | $399–$599 | $370–$555 | 🟢 Nashville |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $53–$95 | $49–$88 | 🟢 Nashville |
| Public transport (monthly) | $100–$121 | $93–$112 | 🟢 Nashville |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $29–$49 | 🟢 Nashville |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $34–$63 | 🟢 Nashville |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Nashville |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,523–$3,995 | $2,338–$3,703 | 🟢 Nashville |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.8 / 10 · 4.8 / 10
Austin
Nashville
Safety9.1 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Austin▲ better
Nashville
Healthcare9.1 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Austin▲ better
Nashville
Education8.7 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Austin▲ better
Nashville
Environment9.5 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Austin▲ better
Nashville
Economy7.8 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Austin▲ better
Nashville
Culture8.4 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Austin▲ better
Nashville
Internet8.8 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Austin▲ better
Nashville
Who should choose which city?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Austin offers vs Nashville
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Music scene
- ✓Startups
- ✓Tech transplants
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Austin
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Music
- ✓Growth
- ✓Healthcare
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Full Austin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Austin →📊
Full Nashville guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Nashville →