Cost of Living in Nashville

The cost of living in Nashville is higher than the Tennessee state average, though the state as a whole sits well below the US national baseline. Newcomers are still likely to find it more affordable than most large coastal cities, and the absence of a state income tax stretches salaries further.

Cost of accommodation in Nashville

The cost of accommodation in Nashville will likely account for the biggest part of your budget. Accommodation in Nashville is not as expensive as in the highest-priced US housing markets, but the city is no longer the bargain it once was.

Rental prices in Nashville are moderate by national standards, even for apartments in the city centre. Of course, rents differ from one neighbourhood to the next; more popular areas naturally command higher prices. If you’re looking to live close to downtown Nashville or near Music Row, for example, the cost of rent is bound to be high.

As for buying, Nashville’s growth and popularity have supported steady rental demand, and many buyers see property here as a strong long-term prospect.

Renting Accommodation in Nashville
Best Neighbourhoods in Nashville

Cost of transport in Nashville

The cost of transport in Nashville is something new arrivals must factor into their budgets; the city sprawls over quite an area, and there are significant distances between neighbourhoods. Public transport in Nashville is affordable, but it is not a practical option for most people. WeGo Public Transit operates the bus network, though routes can be infrequent and schedules are not always reliable, particularly outside core corridors. For these reasons, most locals bite the bullet and get their own set of wheels.

Car prices follow national market trends, so buyers should budget for purchase or lease costs alongside running expenses. Drivers need to factor in the cost of petrol (gas), registration fees, and monthly car insurance premiums, all of which add up. Fuel costs in Tennessee have historically been at or slightly below the national average, which is welcome given the amount of driving the average Nashville resident does.

Getting Around in Nashville

Cost of groceries in Nashville

The cost of groceries in Nashville sits roughly in line with the national average. Discount supermarkets like Aldi, Publix, and United Grocery Outlet often run sales, and in-season produce tends to be more affordable. Bulk purchases can also help keep your grocery bill in check.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Nashville

The cost of entertainment and eating out in Nashville hinges entirely on your habits and preferences. There are plenty of opportunities to splurge. An evening of craft cocktails at a rooftop bar, a fancy fine dining experience, or a ticket to a sold-out music event can easily cost a pretty penny.

On the flip side, there’s also plenty to get up to without breaking the bank. Nashville is famous for its hearty Southern cooking; the city’s iconic hot chicken and beloved meat-and-three restaurants offer generous portions without breaking the bank.

A cost-effective way of staying fit without paying for expensive gym memberships is to get out onto one of the hiking or biking trails at Radnor Lake State Park.

Tickets to see top musicians will not come cheap, but new Nashville residents will soon learn that the famous honky tonks on Broadway are brilliant places to catch some surprisingly good music, often with no cover charge.

So, when it comes to entertainment, there is sure to be something fun to suit everyone’s preferences and budgets. Newcomers may just need to be flexible and open minded until they find their fun.

Lifestyle in Nashville

Cost of education in Nashville

The cost of education in Nashville hinges on the schooling path parents choose for their children. Newcomers to Nashville will have hundreds of private and public school options to pick from, so it most likely won’t be a straightforward decision.

Attending a public school in Nashville will cost next to nothing, including charter and magnet schools, which usually offer a good standard of education. Private schools, on the other hand, set their own fees. Tuition can be pricey, increasing as the child progresses through grades. Additional expenses will include uniforms, textbooks, stationery, extracurricular activities, and field trips.

Education and Schools in Nashville

Cost of healthcare in Nashville

The cost of healthcare in Nashville benefits from the city’s status as one of the country’s foremost medical hubs. Over 900 healthcare companies are based in Middle Tennessee, and the industry is Nashville’s largest employer. Healthcare costs are generally reported to be somewhat lower than the national average, but we recommend having a comprehensive health insurance plan regardless. There are plenty of health insurance schemes available, but we advise new arrivals to take some time to research the one that best fits their needs.

Anyone moving to Nashville for a job should confirm whether their employer contributes towards medical insurance. This is a common benefit in the US and can make a considerable difference to the budget.

Healthcare in Nashville
Understanding Health Insurance in the USA