Housing Costs in Nashville
When it comes to housing options in Nashville, there is a range of choices from apartments to single-family homes. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment typically costs between $1,800 to $2,400 per month, depending on the neighborhood and amenities. Buying a 3-bedroom house in Nashville will generally fall in the $450,000 to $650,000 price range.
Some of the more affordable neighborhoods for renting include Antioch, Donelson, and Madison, while pricier areas are Downtown, The Gulch, and 12South. For buying a home, budget-friendly options can be found in Hermitage, Old Hickory, and Priest Lake, with higher-end homes concentrated in Green Hills, Belle Meade, and Brentwood.
Many newer housing developments, especially condos and townhomes, will have a Homeowners Association (HOA) fee. This is an important cost to factor in, typically ranging from $200 to $400 per month. While not all properties have an HOA, it’s a common expense in Nashville.
Utilities and Energy Bills
The cost of basic utilities in Nashville, including electric, gas, water, and trash, will run about $180 to $250 per month for an average 2-bedroom apartment. Larger homes may see bills closer to $300 to $400 monthly. Keep in mind that cooling costs tend to spike in the hot summer months.
Here’s a typical monthly breakdown for a 2-bedroom apartment:
- Electricity: $90-$130
- Gas: $30-$50
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-$80
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For groceries and household items, plan on spending around $350 to $500 per person per month. A gallon of milk runs about $3.50, a loaf of bread $2.75, and a dozen eggs $2.50. Dining out will add to your food budget, with an average meal costing $12 to $16 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
To give an idea, here’s what a typical grocery basket might cost in Nashville:
- Gallon of milk: $3.50
- Loaf of bread: $2.75
- Dozen eggs: $2.50
- Pound of chicken breast: $4.25
- Pound of ground beef: $5.00
- 5 lb bag of potatoes: $3.75
Taxes and Hidden Fees
The property tax rate in Nashville and Davidson County is $3.155 per $100 of assessed value. The sales tax rate is 9.25%, which includes both the state and local rates. Vehicle registration fees are $26.50 for passenger vehicles.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the key tax rates:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Property Tax | $3.155 per $100 assessed value |
| Sales Tax | 9.25% |
| Vehicle Registration | $26.50 |
Summary Budget Table
To sum it up, here’s a table showing estimated monthly expenses for different household sizes in Nashville:
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $150 | $200 | $300 |
| Groceries | $400 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| Healthcare | $200 | $400 | $800 |
| Total | $2,100 | $3,450 | $4,900 |
Keep in mind these are pre-tax figures. Based on this, a comfortable lifestyle in Nashville may require around $4,200 in gross monthly income for a couple, or $5,900 for a family of four.
Lifestyle Considerations
When choosing where to live in Nashville, consider factors like commute time, access to parks and recreation, school districts, and overall neighborhood vibe. Living closer to the city center in areas like The Gulch or Germantown will offer more walkability and shorter commutes, but at a higher price point. More suburban areas like Brentwood or Hendersonville are often more affordable and family-friendly, but will mean more time in the car.
Newer homes tend to be concentrated in the outlying neighborhoods, while older homes with more character can be found closer to the city center. Decide what matters most to you in terms of space, amenities, and location, and be prepared to make some tradeoffs to stay within budget.
Compared to other major metros, Nashville offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Housing costs are lower than cities like Denver, Austin, or Seattle. However, Nashville is slightly pricier than Memphis or Louisville when it comes to overall living expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Nashville?
To live comfortably, plan on needing a gross (pre-tax) income of at least $4,000 per month for a single person or $5,500 for a couple. Families will want to aim for $6,500 or more.
Is Nashville cheaper than Denver?
Yes, the cost of living in Nashville is about 8% lower than Denver, largely due to more affordable housing. You can expect to spend about $200 less per month on rent or mortgage in Nashville.
What is the average rent in Nashville?
As of 2025, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Nashville is around $1,500 per month. For a 2-bedroom, expect to pay closer to $1,900 monthly.
How much do utilities cost per month in Nashville?
For an average 2-bedroom apartment, plan on spending $180 to $250 per month on utilities like electricity, gas, water, and trash. Larger homes may see bills closer to $300 to $400.
Is Nashville a good place to retire?
Yes, Nashville can be a great retirement spot. The cost of living is reasonable, there’s no state income tax, and the weather is mild. Plus, the city offers world-class healthcare and a thriving arts and culture scene.