Hendersonville, TN vs. Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Choosing between Hendersonville and Nashville? Here’s a rapid-fire cost comparison to help you decide in 2025:
- 🏠 Median home price: $475K in Hendersonville vs $650K in Nashville
- 🛋️ Average 2BR rent: $1,450 in Hendersonville vs $2,100 in Nashville
- ⚡ Typical utility bills: $180/mo in Hendersonville vs $220/mo in Nashville
- 🥑 Grocery costs: 5-10% lower in Hendersonville
- 💸 Sales tax rate: 9.25% in both cities
For a deeper dive into the cost of living in Hendersonville compared to Nashville in 2025, read on. We’ll cover housing, utilities, daily expenses, taxes, and more to help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Hendersonville and Nashville. Here’s a comparison of typical costs for renting and buying:
| Housing | Hendersonville | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $475,000 | $650,000 |
| Average rent (2BR) | $1,450 | $2,100 |
🏆 Winner: Hendersonville. Housing costs are significantly lower in Hendersonville compared to Nashville proper. A household moving from Nashville to Hendersonville might save $400/month on housing alone.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs also tend to be lower in Hendersonville vs Nashville:
- Hendersonville: Expect monthly utility bills around $180 for a typical home, with costs rising about 20% in summer for A/C.
- Nashville: Monthly utility costs average $220. Nashville offers “time of use” plans to save by using power during off-peak hours.
🏆 Winner: Hendersonville. Utility costs are about 20% lower in Hendersonville compared to Nashville.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Hendersonville has a slight edge over Nashville when it comes to everyday costs like groceries, restaurants, and basic goods:
- Grocery prices are 5-10% lower in Hendersonville supermarkets vs Nashville
- Restaurant prices are similar, with cheap eats around $12-15 and nice dinners $30-45 per person in both cities
- Gas prices and basic goods are comparable between the two
🏆 Winner: Hendersonville, but only by a small margin. Expect to save $50-100/month on groceries and daily expenses in Hendersonville compared to Nashville.
4. Taxes and Fees
Hendersonville and Nashville share the same sales tax rate of 9.25%. However, there are some differences in property taxes and fees:
- Hendersonville property tax rate: 0.77%. Many neighborhoods have HOA fees of $200-400/month that cover amenities and landscaping.
- Nashville property tax rate: 1.00%. HOA fees are less common within the city.
🏆 Winner: Hendersonville. The lower property tax rate makes Hendersonville a bit more affordable, even with potential HOA fees.
5. Cost Summary
Here’s a full comparison of monthly living costs in Hendersonville vs Nashville:
| Category | Hendersonville | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $1,600 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $220 |
| Groceries | $500 | $550 |
| Transportation | $60 | $80 |
| Taxes (property) | $300 | $540 |
| Misc expenses | $400 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,040 | $4,090 |
These figures are based on a gross monthly income of $6,500 (pre-tax). See a full monthly budget breakdown for living in Hendersonville.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing between Hendersonville and Nashville. Also consider:
- Commute: Hendersonville is a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Nashville without traffic. But I-65 and Route 31 can get congested.
- Space: Homes in Hendersonville are typically larger and have more yard space vs urban Nashville.
- Walkability: Nashville is much more walkable, with shops, dining, and entertainment steps from many homes. Hendersonville is more car-dependent.
- Vibe: Hendersonville has a peaceful, suburban feel, while Nashville is a lively city with world-class nightlife and live music.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Hendersonville more affordable than Nashville?
A: Yes, the cost of living is about 25% lower in Hendersonville compared to Nashville, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Hendersonville. The average rent for a 2BR apartment is $1,450 in Hendersonville vs $2,100 in Nashville.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Hendersonville. The median home price in Hendersonville is $475,000, compared to $650,000 in Nashville.
8. Conclusion
While Hendersonville has a clear cost advantage over Nashville, with potential savings of $1,000+ per month, the best choice depends on your lifestyle. Hendersonville offers more affordable suburban living, with easy access to Nashville. But if you prefer walkable urban amenities, Nashville may be worth the premium.
Considering other Tennessee cities? Check out our cost of living comparison for Nashville vs other major metros.