Nashville cost of living is above the Tennessee average but moderate for a big city. The average one-bedroom rent is about $1,677 a month (Apartments.com, October 2026), and a solo renter should plan for roughly $3,800 to $4,000 a month. MIT puts a single adult at $51,095 a year before tax.
Quick answer
Zillow shows an average rent of $1,820 and an average home value of $425,889 for Nashville (30 September 2026). The 30% rent rule of thumb suggests about $67,100 a year gross for a $1,677 one-bedroom. Figures were checked in October 2026.
Nashville cost of living at a glance
MIT’s Living Wage model (updated February 2026) covers the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin metro and prices a basic budget for one adult with no children:
| Category | Per year | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $17,656 | $1,471 |
| Transportation | $9,452 | $788 |
| Food | $4,682 | $390 |
| Medical | $3,240 | $270 |
| Internet and mobile | $1,855 | $155 |
| Other necessities | $4,067 | $339 |
| Civic | $2,583 | $215 |
| After-tax total | $43,534 | $3,628 |
The pre-tax equivalent is $51,095 a year, or $24.56 an hour.
Rent in Nashville
| Home size | Average rent (Apartments.com, October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,548 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,677 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,042 |
Prices vary by neighbourhood, and new buildings charge more. Zillow’s all-home average of $1,820 is higher because it includes larger homes. For other Southern cities, compare Memphis, Louisville and Atlanta.
Transportation
MIT budgets $9,452 a year (about $788 a month) for transportation, which reflects how car-dependent the region is. WeGo Public Transit runs buses and some commuter rail; check its website for current fares. Add car insurance, fuel and parking if you drive.
Taxes in Tennessee
Tennessee does not tax wages, which helps take-home pay, but sales tax is high. Nashville’s combined rate is about 9.25%, so check the Tennessee Department of Revenue for the current figure. Property tax adds to ownership costs.
Sample monthly budget for a solo renter
| Category | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (1 bedroom) | $1,677 |
| Transportation | $788 |
| Food | $390 |
| Medical | $270 |
| Internet and mobile | $155 |
| Other necessities | $339 |
| Civic | $215 |
| Total | About $3,834 |
Using Zillow’s $1,820 average rent instead lifts the total to about $3,977. Savings are not included.
Salary needed in Nashville
| Household | MIT hourly living wage |
|---|---|
| 1 adult, no children | $24.56 |
| 1 adult, 1 child | $37.80 |
| 2 working adults, 2 children | $25.62 each |
How to save money in Nashville
- Share a two-bedroom (average $2,042) to cut rent per person.
- Look at suburbs and nearby cities if you can commute.
- Live near work to cut driving costs.
- Compare utilities and insurance before you sign a lease.
Frequently asked questions about Nashville cost of living
How much does it cost to live in Nashville per month?
A solo renter paying about $1,677 for a one-bedroom needs roughly $3,800 a month once MIT-modelled transport, food, medical, phone and other costs are added. Using Zillow’s $1,820 average rent lifts it to about $4,000.
What is the average rent in Nashville?
Apartments.com lists about $1,548 for a studio, $1,677 for a one-bedroom and $2,042 for a two-bedroom in October 2026. Zillow shows an all-home average of $1,820.
How much do you need to earn to live in Nashville?
MIT puts a single adult at $24.56 an hour, or $51,095 a year before tax, for basic needs in the Nashville metro. At a $1,677 rent, the 30% rule of thumb points to about $67,100 a year.
Does Tennessee have a state income tax?
Tennessee does not tax wages, but sales tax is high. Check the Tennessee Department of Revenue for current rates.
Is Nashville cheaper than Memphis?
Not usually. Zillow average rent is $1,820 in Nashville and $1,259 in Memphis, and MIT puts a single adult at $24.56 an hour in Nashville against $21.11 in Memphis.
Sources
- MIT Living Wage Calculator, Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin (updated February 2026)
- Apartments.com, Nashville rent trends (October 2026)
- Zillow, Nashville home values and rents (30 September 2026)
