Smyrna, TN vs. Antioch, TN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Smyrna vs Antioch. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Smyrna vs Antioch in 2025.
Imagine a family of four currently renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Antioch for $1,600 per month. They spend about $800 on groceries and $350 on utilities each month. If they were to move to a similar apartment in Smyrna, their rent would decrease to around $1,400. Grocery costs would be about the same at $800 per month, while utilities may drop slightly to $325. Let’s dive into a more detailed comparison.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Smyrna and Antioch compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Smyrna | Antioch |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,400 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $450,000 | $500,000 |
🏆 Winner: Smyrna
Smyrna offers more affordable housing options, with lower rent and median home prices compared to Antioch. To get a full picture of housing costs in Smyrna including utilities, taxes, and more, check out our detailed guide.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, but Smyrna has a slight edge:
- In Smyrna, expect to pay around $325 per month for a typical family.
- Antioch utility bills average closer to $350 per month.
- Both cities have similar seasonal fluctuations, with higher A/C costs in the summer.
🏆 Winner: Smyrna
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are nearly identical in Smyrna and Antioch. A family of four can expect to spend about $800 per month in either city. Restaurant prices are also comparable.
🏆 Winner: Tie
4. Taxes and Fees
Both cities have the same sales tax rate of 9.75% (as of 2025). However, property taxes are slightly lower in Smyrna:
- Smyrna’s property tax rate is $3.20 per $100 of assessed value
- Antioch’s rate is $3.38 per $100 of assessed value
🏆 Winner: Smyrna
5. Cost of Living in Smyrna vs Antioch Summary
| Category | Smyrna | Antioch |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,400 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $325 | $350 |
| Groceries | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation | $350 | $350 |
| Taxes (Property) | $3.20/$100 | $3.38/$100 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,375 | $3,600 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Smyrna is more affordable overall, each city has its own charms:
- Smyrna has a quaint downtown with local shops and restaurants within walking distance for many residents.
- Antioch offers more space and larger homes, but with longer commutes to Nashville.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Smyrna more affordable than Antioch?
A: Yes, Smyrna has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Smyrna has lower average rent prices for apartments and houses.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Median home prices are about $50,000 lower in Smyrna compared to Antioch.
8. Conclusion
For most lifestyles and budgets, Smyrna offers a lower cost of living than Antioch. Housing is the biggest differentiator, with Smyrna boasting lower rent and home prices. However, Antioch can still be a great fit for those prioritizing more space or specific neighborhood vibes.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your unique preferences and situation. Be sure to consider your commute, schools, and overall lifestyle when deciding between Smyrna and Antioch. For more info, check out our guide on how much it costs to live in Smyrna each month.