Lebanon, TN vs. Mt Juliet, TN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine you’re comparing two potential rentals: a 2-bedroom apartment in Lebanon for $1,250 per month versus a similar unit in Mt Juliet for $1,450. At first glance, Lebanon seems like the clear budget choice – but when you factor in Mt Juliet’s cheaper utilities and lower sales tax, the monthly savings gap narrows. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Lebanon and Mt Juliet. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone weighing the real-life costs of these two Nashville suburbs in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in a monthly budget. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare for Lebanon vs Mt Juliet:
| Housing Type | Lebanon | Mt Juliet |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,250 | $1,450 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $380,000 | $420,000 |
🏆 Winner: Lebanon. Renting a 2-bedroom or buying a 3-bedroom home is about 15% cheaper in Lebanon compared to Mt Juliet.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, water, and gas in a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Lebanon. Similar utility costs in Mt Juliet average $160 monthly. Both cities experience hot summers and mild winters, so seasonal bill fluctuation is moderate.
🏆 Winner: Mt Juliet. Utility costs run about 10% lower in Mt Juliet vs Lebanon.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs are very similar between the two cities. Budget around $350-400 per month for groceries for a couple in either Lebanon or Mt Juliet. Eating out is also comparable, with a nice dinner for two averaging $50-60 in both places.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and restaurant prices are nearly identical in Lebanon and Mt Juliet.
Taxes and Fees
Lebanon’s property tax rate is $2.87 per $100 of assessed value, while Mt Juliet’s is slightly lower at $2.70. However, Mt Juliet has a lower combined sales tax rate of 9.25% compared to Lebanon’s 9.75%.
🏆 Winner: Mt Juliet. The lower sales tax gives Mt Juliet a slight edge, especially for residents who aren’t homeowners.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Lebanon | Mt Juliet |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,250 | $1,450 |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $60 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,140 | $2,320 |
Lifestyle Fit
Lebanon offers a quaint downtown square, local parks, and a slightly slower pace of life. It’s great for those seeking affordability and small-town charm. Mt Juliet has more shopping and dining options, quicker access to I-40, and a larger community center. Mt Juliet averages 5-10 minutes shorter commutes to Nashville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lebanon more affordable than Mt Juliet?
Yes, Lebanon is generally 5-15% cheaper than Mt Juliet, primarily due to lower housing costs.
Which city has lower rent?
Renting an apartment is notably cheaper in Lebanon. A 2BR unit averages $1,250 monthly compared to $1,450 in Mt Juliet.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Lebanon. The median price for a 3BR house is around $380,000 in Lebanon vs $420,000 in Mt Juliet.
Conclusion
For most lifestyles and budgets, Lebanon offers the best value between these two Nashville suburbs. Housing costs are the biggest differentiator, with Lebanon rents and home prices coming in 10-15% lower than Mt Juliet. However, Mt Juliet can be a smart choice for commuters who value a shorter drive and easier interstate access. See our monthly budget guide for a deeper dive into Lebanon’s cost of living.