Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Nashville is 6% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $70,833 in Nashville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Nashville sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $380,000 in Nashville, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,600 in Nashville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Nashville scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Nashville (98). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $59,828 in Nashville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Nashville.
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