Antioch, TN vs. Madison, TN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Nashville area in 2025? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between two popular suburbs: Antioch and Madison. Whether you’re a family relocating, a professional choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of living in these cities, we’ll break down the key factors to help you decide which fits your lifestyle and budget.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest expense when comparing cost of living between cities. Here’s how Antioch and Madison stack up for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Antioch | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,450 | $1,250 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $450,000 | $375,000 |
🏆 Winner: Madison. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about $200 less per month in Madison compared to Antioch. Median home prices are also around $75,000 lower in Madison.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs can vary based on your home’s size and energy efficiency. In similar mid-size cities, monthly utility bills for a 2BR apartment typically range from $150-250. This includes electricity, water, gas, and trash.
Both Antioch and Madison experience hot, humid summers and mild winters. Expect higher AC usage May through September. Many electric providers offer off-peak and “time of use” plans that can help manage summer cooling costs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities. Choosing an energy-efficient home is the biggest factor in keeping monthly bills low.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are fairly consistent across the Nashville metro area. Expect to spend around $400 per month on groceries for a single person, or $1,100+ for a family of four.
One notable difference: Antioch has more ethnic grocery options, which can provide savings on specialty ingredients and spices compared to Madison.
For dining out, a meal at a mid-range restaurant averages $15-20 per person in both cities. Fast food combos are around $8-12.
🏆 Winner: Antioch, but only slightly. The broader grocery options may help trim a few dollars off your monthly food bill compared to Madison.
4. Taxes and Fees
Tennessee has no state income tax, which is a big draw for many relocating from higher-tax states. However, sales tax and property tax rates are important cost of living factors to compare between cities.
The sales tax rate in both Antioch and Madison is 9.25% (as of 2025). This combines the 7% TN state sales tax with the 2.25% Davidson County sales tax.
Property taxes are assessed based on home value:
- In Antioch, the property tax rate is $3.155 per $100 of assessed value
- In Madison, the rate is slightly higher at $3.58 per $100 of assessed value
For a $350,000 home, annual property taxes would be about $11,043 in Antioch vs $12,530 in Madison.
🏆 Winner: Antioch. The lower property tax rate can add up to substantial yearly savings, especially for higher-value homes. HOA fees are also more common in Madison developments.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Cost Category | Antioch | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR rent) | $1,450 | $1,250 |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 |
| Groceries | $400 | $425 |
| Transportation | $60 | $80 |
| Taxes (based on $60K/yr) | $460 | $480 |
| Misc Expenses | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,800 | $2,665 |
These figures reflect estimated pre-tax monthly costs for a single person. Families and multi-income households will have higher monthly totals in most categories.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While the hard cost of living numbers are important, deciding between Antioch and Madison also depends on which city better fits your lifestyle. Consider these tradeoffs:
- Antioch has more new construction, with larger homes and yards but longer commute times
- Madison is closer to downtown Nashville and has more public transit options, but less green space
- Summers are 3-5°F hotter on average in Antioch than Madison
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Antioch more affordable than Madison?
A: It depends on your housing needs. Renting is cheaper in Madison, while buying may be more affordable in Antioch due to lower property taxes.
Q: Which city has lower utility bills?
A: Utility costs are very similar between Antioch and Madison. Choosing an energy-efficient home in either city is the best way to minimize monthly utility expenses.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy groceries?
A: Antioch has a slight edge over Madison for grocery costs, thanks to more discount and ethnic market options.
8. Conclusion
When comparing the cost of living between Antioch and Madison, TN in 2025, Madison comes out ahead for renters, while Antioch may be more affordable for home buyers. However, the monthly savings are relatively small, so it’s important to also factor in which city better matches your lifestyle, commute, and housing preferences.
For more insights, read our guides on average monthly expenses in Antioch and what you’ll really spend living in Antioch in 2025.