Antioch, TN vs. Brentwood, TN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which Nashville suburb gives you more bang for your buck – Antioch or Brentwood? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Antioch and Brentwood, Tennessee. It’s perfect for families relocating to the Nashville area, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two popular suburbs in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Antioch and Brentwood stack up:
| Housing Type | Antioch | Brentwood |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,350 | $1,950 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $950,000 |
🏆 Winner: Antioch. Housing costs in Antioch are significantly lower across the board, with savings of $600/month on a typical 2BR apartment and $500,000 on an average single-family home compared to Brentwood.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs also factor heavily into monthly budgets. In Antioch, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, water, and gas for a 2BR apartment. Costs are similar in Brentwood at about $200/month.
Both cities experience hot summers and mild winters, so seasonal cost fluctuations are minimal. Brentwood has slightly higher utility fees and taxes.
🏆 Winner: Antioch. While utility costs are comparable, Antioch comes out slightly ahead thanks to lower municipal fees.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are fairly consistent between Antioch and Brentwood. Expect to spend around $400/month on groceries for a single person in either city, or $1,000/month for a family of four.
Restaurant prices are about 15% higher in Brentwood on average. A meal at a mid-range restaurant in Antioch averages $50 for two, compared to $60 in Brentwood.
🏆 Winner: Antioch. Grocery costs are nearly identical, but the lower prices for dining out give Antioch the edge for daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Neither Antioch nor Brentwood charges a municipal income tax, but Brentwood has slightly higher property taxes of 0.85% vs 0.75% in Antioch.
Brentwood also has higher fees for city services like trash and recycling. Typical HOA fees in Brentwood range from $200-400/month compared to $100-200/month in Antioch.
🏆 Winner: Antioch. Lower property taxes and city fees make Antioch more affordable.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Antioch | Brentwood |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $2,500 | $4,500 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $60 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $600 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,940 | $6,360 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Antioch is more affordable, Brentwood offers a more upscale suburban lifestyle. Brentwood homes average 500 sq ft larger than in Antioch. Brentwood also has top-rated schools, lower crime rates, and more green space.
However, Antioch offers easier access to downtown Nashville, more diversity, and a lower cost of living. Commute times are 10 minutes shorter on average from Antioch.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Antioch more affordable than Brentwood?
A: Yes, Antioch is about 40% cheaper than Brentwood overall. Housing costs are the biggest difference, with Antioch homes and apartments priced significantly lower.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Antioch has lower rental prices, with 2BR apartments around $600/month cheaper than in Brentwood.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Antioch home prices are less than half those in Brentwood. Expect to pay around $450,000 for a typical 3BR home in Antioch compared to $950,000 in Brentwood.
8. Conclusion
Antioch is the clear winner for affordability, with significantly lower costs for housing and slightly lower prices for utilities, dining out, taxes, and fees. A household moving from Brentwood to Antioch could easily save over $2,000/month.
However, Brentwood remains popular for its high-end homes, excellent schools, and upscale amenities. Families prioritizing education and luxury may prefer Brentwood despite the higher cost of living.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and priorities. To dive deeper into expenses, check out our guides on average monthly expenses in Antioch and what you’ll really spend on cost of living in Antioch in 2025.