Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Nashville is 5% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City 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: Tennessee salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Nashville scores 96 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Nashville.
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