Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Nashville is 5% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $71,495 in Nashville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Nashville sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $380,000 in Nashville, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,600 in Nashville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while Nashville scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Nashville (98). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $59,828 in Nashville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Nashville.
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