Brentwood is considered an expensive Nashville suburb in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $2,400 and above-average housing costs overall.
Housing Costs in Brentwood, TN
Is the true cost of living in Brentwood higher than you think? Let’s start with the biggest expense: housing. In Brentwood, a desirable Nashville suburb known for its high-end homes and excellent schools, housing costs are well above the national average.
For renters, a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Brentwood ranges from $2,100 to $2,700 per month as of 2025. Luxury units with premium amenities can exceed $3,000 monthly. Rental rates vary by neighborhood, with the most affordable options found near Nolensville Road and pricier units concentrated in west Brentwood.
Homebuyers should expect to pay a premium in Brentwood compared to other Nashville suburbs. A standard 3-bedroom, 2-bath house starts around $750,000, with larger new construction easily topping $1 million. HOA fees are common, typically adding $200-500 per month. Some popular Brentwood neighborhoods and their median home prices:
- Inglehame Farms: $950,000
- Montclair: $1,200,000
- Taramore: $850,000
- Tuscany Hills: $1,100,000
Utilities and Energy Bills
Powering a home in Brentwood is slightly more expensive than the U.S. average. Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity for a 2,000 square foot house, with summer A/C costs spiking closer to $250. Natural gas averages $80 monthly but can double in winter. Water, sewer, and trash collection typically add another $90-110 per month.
High-speed internet from providers like AT&T or Comcast runs about $80-100 monthly for 300 Mbps service. Mobile phone plans with unlimited data average $70 per line from major carriers.
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $180 ($250 summer) |
| Natural Gas | $80 ($160 winter) |
| Water/Sewer/Trash | $90-110 |
| Internet | $80-100 |
| Mobile Phone | $70 per line |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
A single adult in Brentwood should budget at least $350 per month for groceries, while a family of four will likely spend upwards of $1,100. This assumes a mix of dining out and cooking at home. Grocery costs run about 8% higher than the national average in Brentwood.
For a typical basket of goods:
- Gallon of milk: $4.20
- Loaf of bread: $3.50
- Dozen eggs: $3.00
- Pound of chicken breast: $4.80
Eating out is a popular pastime in Brentwood, but it comes at a cost. Expect to pay $15-20 per person for a casual meal out, $30-50 for dinner at a nice restaurant, and $4-6 for a specialty coffee drink. A pint of craft beer runs $7-9 at most local pubs.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Brentwood residents pay a combined state and local sales tax rate of 9.75% on most purchases, which is slightly higher than the Tennessee average of 9.55%. Property taxes in Williamson County, where Brentwood is located, are assessed at 0.85% of a home’s appraised value. For a $1 million house, that equates to $8,500 annually or about $710 per month.
Tennessee has no state income tax, which helps offset the higher sales and property taxes for many residents. Vehicle registration fees in Williamson County are $29 per year for passenger cars, plus applicable wheel taxes ($50-70) based on vehicle type.
| Tax/Fee Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | 9.75% |
| Property Tax | 0.85% of appraisal |
| State Income Tax | None |
| Vehicle Registration | $29 + wheel tax |
Sample Monthly Budget
| Expense Category | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $2,000 | $2,400 | $3,500 |
| Utilities | $300 | $400 | $600 |
| Groceries & Dining Out | $500 | $800 | $1,400 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Other Necessities | $250 | $400 | $600 |
| Discretionary | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Total Gross Monthly Income Needed | $4,000 | $5,600 | $8,500 |
Note that these figures represent gross monthly income (pre-tax). Depending on retirement contributions, withholdings, and other factors, the actual take-home pay required may be 20-30% higher.
Lifestyle Considerations
Brentwood offers an upscale suburban lifestyle within easy reach of Nashville, but it comes at a cost. Housing is the biggest factor, with prices far exceeding those in nearby communities like Nolensville, Spring Hill, or Columbia. In exchange, residents get access to top-notch schools (Williamson County Schools are consistently ranked among Tennessee’s best), expansive parks and greenways, and a quaint but lively downtown district.
Most Brentwood neighborhoods consist of larger single-family homes on spacious lots, making it ideal for families or those who value privacy and outdoor space. Trade-offs include longer commute times (20-40 minutes to most parts of Nashville) and higher property taxes. First-time buyers or those on tighter budgets may find better value in adjacent suburbs while still enjoying many of the same amenities.
Brentwood has no public transportation to speak of, so a vehicle is all but required to get around. Traffic congestion, especially along I-65 and Franklin Road, is a growing issue as the region’s population booms. But with its strong job market, high quality of life, and proximity to Nashville’s cultural scene, many find the cost of living in Brentwood well worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What salary do you need to live comfortably in Brentwood, TN?
A: For a family of four, a gross monthly income of at least $8,500 (or $102,000 per year) is recommended to live comfortably in Brentwood as of 2025. Couples can get by on around $5,600 per month, while a single person should aim for $4,000 monthly.Q: Is Brentwood more expensive than Nashville?
A: Yes, Brentwood is generally more expensive than Nashville, particularly when it comes to housing. Expect to pay 20-30% more for a comparable home or apartment in Brentwood vs. most parts of Nashville.Q: Are property taxes high in Brentwood?
A: Property taxes in Williamson County (which includes Brentwood) are slightly above average for Tennessee at 0.85% of assessed value. For a $1 million home, that equates to $8,500 per year in property taxes alone.Q: How much does it cost to buy a house in Brentwood?
A: As of 2025, a typical 3-bedroom house in Brentwood starts around $750,000, with larger new construction homes often exceeding $1 million. Luxury properties in premier neighborhoods can range from $1.5-3 million or more.Q: What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Brentwood?
A: Some of the relatively more affordable Brentwood neighborhoods include Brenthaven (near I-65), Meadowlake (close to Nolensville), and Wikle Road East. But “affordable” is relative, as even starter homes in these areas typically run $600,000 and up.Q: Is Brentwood a good place to raise a family?
A: Brentwood is an excellent place for families, boasting some of Tennessee’s best public schools, ample parks and recreation, and a strong sense of community. The trade-off is higher housing costs and longer commutes compared to some other Nashville suburbs.Q: How much do utilities cost in Brentwood per month?
A: Expect to pay around $400 per month for basic utilities (electricity, gas, water/sewer/trash) for a typical Brentwood home, with costs rising during summer (A/C) and winter (heating) months. Internet and phone service can add another $150-200 monthly.