🇺🇸 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

CategoryAustin (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

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Explore Austin

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Full Nashville guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Nashville