Brentwood, TN vs. Antioch, TN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money: Brentwood or Antioch, TN? This article provides a cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in Brentwood vs Antioch in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the largest expense in any budget. Here’s how Brentwood and Antioch compare:
| Housing Type | Brentwood | Antioch |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,800 | $1,200 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $650,000 | $350,000 |
🏆 Winner: Antioch offers significantly lower housing costs for both renting and buying.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills in Brentwood and Antioch are fairly similar. Expect to pay around $150-200 per month for electricity, water, and gas in a typical 2BR apartment. Costs may be slightly higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie! Utility costs are comparable in both cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Brentwood has slightly higher grocery costs than Antioch, with a gallon of milk averaging $3.50 compared to $3.20 in Antioch. Restaurant prices are also about 10% higher in Brentwood.
🏆 Winner: Antioch takes the lead with lower food and daily living costs.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property tax rates are 0.75% in Brentwood and 1.00% in Antioch. However, due to higher home values, Brentwood residents typically pay more in property taxes overall. Both cities have similar HOA fee ranges of $200-400 per month.
🏆 Winner: Antioch has a slight edge with lower property tax rates.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Brentwood | Antioch |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,800 | $1,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $170 |
| Groceries | $400 | $350 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Taxes (Property) | $406 | $292 |
| Misc | $250 | $200 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,136 | $2,292 |
All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax). Can You Afford to Live in Brentwood? Monthly Budget Guide provides a more detailed breakdown.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Antioch is more affordable, Brentwood offers larger homes, highly-rated schools, and a quieter suburban feel. Brentwood homes average 500 sq ft larger than those in Antioch. However, Antioch provides easier access to downtown Nashville and more public transportation options.
7. FAQ
- Is Brentwood more affordable than Antioch?
- No, Antioch has a lower overall cost of living.
- Which city has lower rent?
- Antioch has lower rental prices, averaging $1,200 for a 2BR apartment vs $1,800 in Brentwood.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
- Antioch has lower median home prices at $350,000 compared to $650,000 in Brentwood.
8. Conclusion
Antioch emerges as the more budget-friendly option, with lower costs for housing, groceries, and taxes. However, Brentwood’s higher prices come with perks like larger homes and top-notch schools. Young professionals may prefer Antioch’s affordability and proximity to Nashville, while families prioritizing space and education might find Brentwood worth the premium. For a full picture of expenses, see our Cost of Living in Brentwood: Your Monthly Budget Guide for 2025.