La Vergne is considered moderately affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,450 per month and slightly lower grocery costs compared to the national average.
Is the true cost of living in La Vergne higher than you think? Many people are drawn to this Nashville suburb for its relative affordability, but it’s important to understand the full picture of monthly expenses to budget accordingly. In this article, we’ll break down the major costs you can expect living in La Vergne in 2025, from housing to groceries to taxes.
Housing Costs in La Vergne
Housing is the biggest expense for most La Vergne residents. Typical housing options include apartments, townhomes, and single-family houses. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment in La Vergne will cost around $1,300 to $1,600 per month as of 2025, with prices varying based on location, age of the unit, and included amenities.
For those looking to purchase a home, a 3-bedroom house in La Vergne has a median price of $350,000. However, prices can range from $280,000 for older homes up to $450,000+ for newer construction in desirable neighborhoods. Some key differences across La Vergne neighborhoods include:
- Lake Forest Estates – Newer homes, $400k+, optional HOA
- Old Hickory – Mix of older and newer, $300-400k, no HOA
- Farmingdale – Older homes, under $300k, no HOA
HOA fees are not common in most La Vergne neighborhoods, but expect to pay around $200/month in communities that do have an HOA.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in La Vergne are fairly typical for the region. Expect to pay around $120/month for electricity for a 2-bedroom apartment, with costs spiking 20-30% higher in the peak of summer due to air conditioning. Gas may cost an additional $30-50/month if you have a gas stove, water heater, or furnace.
Water, sewer, and trash are sometimes included in apartment rent, but if billed separately, budget $60-80/month. High-speed internet starts at $50/month for basic plans.
| Utility | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $120 |
| Gas | $40 |
| Water/Sewer/Trash | $70 |
| Internet | $50+ |
Groceries and Food
Groceries in La Vergne are very slightly cheaper than the national average. Expect to spend around $300-350/month per person for a typical mix of grocery staples, household items, and dining out.
To put this in perspective, here’s what a typical grocery basket might cost in La Vergne:
- Gallon of milk – $3.50
- Loaf of bread – $2.30
- Dozen eggs – $2.00
- Pound of chicken breast – $3.20
Dining out will be a bit pricier, with fast casual meals around $12-15 per person and sit-down restaurant meals closer to $20-30 per person on average.
Taxes and Fees
Tennessee has no state income tax, which is great news for La Vergne residents. However, there are still some taxes and fees to be aware of:
- Sales tax: 9.75% on most purchases (7% state + 2.75% Rutherford County)
- Property tax: 0.71% of assessed home value per year
- Vehicle registration fee: Approx. $25/year
So for a $350,000 home, expect to pay around $2,500 per year in property taxes. Vehicle fees are quite low compared to many other states.
Monthly Cost of Living in La Vergne
So what does this all add up to? Here’s a sample monthly budget for living in La Vergne:
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,450 | $1,450 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $250 | $280 | $400 |
| Groceries | $350 | $600 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $750 |
| Lifestyle | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Monthly Total | $2,850 | $3,630 | $5,250 |
Keep in mind these are estimates based on a comfortable but not extravagant lifestyle in La Vergne. Your particular circumstances may vary. Additionally, these figures are based on gross monthly income (pre-tax), so your take-home pay will need to be higher to account for federal income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare taxes.
Lifestyle Considerations
Of course, the cost of living is just one factor when deciding where to live. La Vergne offers a mix of benefits and tradeoffs to consider:
- Commute: La Vergne is about a 30 minute drive from downtown Nashville, which is very doable for those working in the city. However, traffic can be congested during rush hour.
- Schools: La Vergne has a mix of public and private school options. Public schools are generally decent but not top-rated, so some families opt for private schools.
- Safety: La Vergne has moderate crime rates, with some neighborhoods safer than others. It’s important to research specific areas.
- Amenities: La Vergne offers convenient access to grocery stores, restaurants, and basic amenities. However, for more extensive shopping and entertainment, many residents drive to neighboring Smyrna or Murfreesboro.
Ultimately, La Vergne offers a good balance of affordability and access to the Nashville area. It can be a great fit for those who value a suburban lifestyle with reasonable costs, as long as you’re comfortable with a bit of a commute and don’t mind having to drive to access some amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live comfortably in La Vergne?
To live comfortably in La Vergne, a single person would need to make around $34,000 per year ($2,850/month) before taxes. A couple would need around $44,000 ($3,630/month) and a family of four around $63,000 ($5,250/month). Keep in mind “comfortable” means being able to afford housing, food, healthcare, and basic lifestyle expenses, but without significant luxuries.
Is La Vergne cheaper than living in Nashville?
Yes, La Vergne is generally 10-20% cheaper than living in Nashville proper. You’ll get more space for your money in La Vergne, especially when it comes to housing. However, you’ll likely need to drive more for work, entertainment, and certain amenities.
Are utilities expensive in La Vergne?
Utilities in La Vergne are fairly moderate, not substantially higher or lower than the national average. Electricity costs do spike in the summer months due to air conditioning. Choosing a home with efficient heating and cooling can help keep utility bills manageable.
How much house can I afford in La Vergne?
To comfortably afford a $350,000 house (the median 3BR price), you’d want a household income of at least $87,500 per year ($7,300/month) before taxes. This factors in not just the mortgage, but also property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Of course, your particular budget may vary depending on your down payment, interest rate, and other debts.
What’s the sales tax rate in La Vergne?
The total sales tax rate in La Vergne is 9.75% as of 2025. This includes a 7% Tennessee state sales tax and a 2.75% Rutherford County sales tax. There is no additional city sales tax in La Vergne. This sales tax applies to most goods, but groceries and prescriptions are taxed at a lower 4% state rate.
Does La Vergne have good public transit?
Public transit options in La Vergne are fairly limited. There are some bus routes that connect to Nashville, but most residents rely on personal vehicles to get around. La Vergne is a very car-dependent suburb. If you work in Nashville, you’ll likely need to budget for a car, gas, and parking.
Are there any additional taxes or fees to be aware of in La Vergne?
The main ones to be aware of are property taxes (0.71% of assessed home value per year) and vehicle registration fees (about $25/year). La Vergne also requires a small annual fee for pet licenses. Other than that, there are no major additional taxes or fees specific to La Vergne residents. Tennessee does not have a state income tax, which helps keep overall tax burden low.