Smyrna, TN vs. Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Relocating to Tennessee and deciding between Smyrna and Nashville? Housing costs in Smyrna average a whopping $600 less per month compared to Nashville. This cost of living comparison breaks down the key differences between Smyrna and Nashville in 2025, perfect for families, professionals, and anyone weighing where to live in the Nashville metro area.
Housing Costs
The biggest cost difference between Smyrna and Nashville is housing. Typical monthly costs:
| Housing Type | Smyrna | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,400 | $2,000 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $1,800 | $2,400 |
🏆 Winner: Smyrna. Rent and mortgage payments tend to be significantly lower in Smyrna compared to Nashville proper.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly comparable between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, water, gas, and waste in both Smyrna and Nashville.
Smyrna residents may see slightly lower heating and cooling bills, as the suburban location has more green space and shade. Nashville’s urban density can mean higher summer A/C costs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are similar in both cities, with Smyrna having a slight edge.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries, dining out, and everyday purchases cost about the same in Smyrna and Nashville. Expect to budget around $400-500 per month for food for a single person, or $800-1000 for a family.
One advantage of living in Nashville is more grocery store options. Smyrna has the basics, but Nashville offers a wider variety of supermarkets, specialty food stores, and ethnic markets.
🏆 Winner: Nashville, but only slightly. More store variety gives Nashville an edge, but prices are comparable.
Taxes and Fees
Both Smyrna and Nashville have property tax rates around 0.75%. However, since home values tend to be lower in Smyrna, actual property tax bills are often cheaper there vs. Nashville.
In Smyrna, many neighborhoods have active HOAs that cover amenities and landscaping. Typical HOA dues range from $200-400 per month. In Nashville, HOAs are less common but condo fees can be pricey downtown.
🏆 Winner: Smyrna. Lower home values usually mean a smaller property tax bill, even with HOA dues.
Cost Summary
| Category | Smyrna | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,400 – $1,800 | $2,000 – $2,400 |
| Utilities | $200 – $250 | $200 – $250 |
| Groceries | $400 – $1,000 | $400 – $1,000 |
| Transportation | $60 – $80 | $80 – $120 |
| Taxes | 0.75% property tax + HOA | 0.75% property tax |
| Misc | $200 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,260 – $3,330 | $2,930 – $4,020 |
Lifestyle Fit
Smyrna offers a quieter suburban lifestyle, with more space, yards, and a small-town feel. It’s great for families who want a short commute to Nashville without the city prices. Traffic is lighter and parking is easier in Smyrna.
Nashville provides the excitement and amenities of urban living, with walkable neighborhoods, ample nightlife, and plenty to do. It’s ideal for young professionals or anyone wanting to be in the center of the action. Nashville averages 2°F warmer than Smyrna year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Smyrna more affordable than Nashville? Yes, Smyrna offers a lower cost of living, especially for housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Rental rates are cheaper in Smyrna, with 2BR apartments averaging $600 less per month than in Nashville.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Smyrna has lower home prices and property taxes, making it more affordable for buyers.
The Bottom Line
For an affordable cost of living close to Nashville, Smyrna is an excellent choice. Families, remote workers, and those who prefer a suburban lifestyle can save on housing while still enjoying an easy commute to the city.
Young professionals, singles, and urbanites may prefer paying a bit more to live in Nashville itself. The city’s walkability, entertainment, and vibrant neighborhoods are worth the cost for many.
Ultimately, the right choice between Smyrna and Nashville depends on your budget, lifestyle, and priorities. We hope this comparison helps you make the best decision! Be sure to also check out our other cost of living breakdowns for popular Tennessee cities.
To get a detailed look at typical monthly expenses, see our guides on how much it costs to live in Smyrna each month and Smyrna’s cost of living for housing, groceries, taxes and more.