Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
33% cheaper
Nashville is 33% more affordable than Seattle. A $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to $50,329 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $370,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Nashville scores 96 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are lower than Seattle (109).
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Nashville.
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