Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Tucson is 9% more affordable than Nashville. A $75,000 salary in Nashville is equivalent to $68,382 in Tucson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Nashville scores 96 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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