Smyrna, TN vs. Madison, TN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Tennessee and deciding between Smyrna and Madison? This cost of living comparison breaks down housing, utilities, taxes and more to help you determine which city best fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
Which City Wins on Cost: Smyrna or Madison?
While both are affordable Nashville suburbs, Smyrna comes out slightly ahead when comparing overall living expenses. The typical household moving from Madison to Smyrna might expect to save around $200 per month. However, each city has its perks depending on your housing and lifestyle needs.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is likely your biggest monthly expense. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare for common housing types in Smyrna vs Madison:
| Housing Type | Smyrna | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,400 | $1,550 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $1,900 | $2,100 |
🏆 Winner: Smyrna. You’ll generally pay 10-15% less for comparable housing in Smyrna compared to Madison.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to budget around $200-250 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash service for a typical apartment or home. Both cities experience hot summers and mild winters, so seasonal fluctuations in energy bills are minimal.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in utility expenses.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Smyrna and Madison both offer easy access to major grocery chains and retailers. An average family of 4 might spend $800-1000 per month on groceries and household items in either city. Dining out is also comparably priced, with plenty of affordable casual options.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Similar costs for groceries and daily living.
4. Taxes and Fees
Neither Smyrna nor Madison charges a city income tax on top of state and federal taxes. Sales tax is 9.75% in both cities as of 2025. Property taxes are assessed based on home value:
- Smyrna property tax rate: 0.78%
- Madison property tax rate: 0.85%
For a $400K home, annual property taxes would be about $3,120 in Smyrna vs $3,400 in Madison.
🏆 Winner: Smyrna. Modestly lower property tax helps Smyrna edge out Madison.
5. Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Smyrna | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage) | $1,900 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $900 | $900 |
| Transportation | $300 | $300 |
| Taxes (based on $400K home) | $260 | $283 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,985 | $4,208 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Smyrna and Madison are both peaceful Nashville suburbs great for families. A few key differences:
- Smyrna has a quaint, walkable downtown while Madison is more spread out
- Madison offers an easier commute to downtown Nashville
- Smyrna has more new construction homes and planned communities
7. FAQ
Q: Is Smyrna more affordable than Madison?
A: Overall, Smyrna is modestly more affordable, mainly due to lower housing and property tax costs. See our full cost of living breakdown for Smyrna.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Smyrna rent tends to be 10-15% lower than comparable apartments in Madison as of 2025.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: With a lower median home price and property tax rate, Smyrna offers better affordability for buyers. Our monthly budget for living in Smyrna factors in housing costs.
8. The Bottom Line
While both great places to live, Smyrna comes out a bit ahead of Madison in terms of overall affordability. Budget-conscious households and those seeking newer homes may prefer Smyrna. However, Madison can be worth the modestly higher cost for an easier commute and more established neighborhoods. Consider your lifestyle and budget to decide which is the best fit.