Atlanta vs Nashville

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Tennessee salaries

Living in Atlanta vs Nashville

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.

Relocating: Atlanta vs Nashville

If you are considering a move between Atlanta (index: 107) and Nashville (index: 102), the 5% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Nashville is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Atlanta can afford $1,399/month, while the median household in Nashville can afford $1,396/month. With median homes at $350,000 in Atlanta versus $380,000 in Nashville, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,700/month in Atlanta and $1,600/month in Nashville, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Nashville. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Atlanta (107) vs Nashville (102)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Atlanta at 107 is 7% above the US average, while Nashville at 102 is 2% above average. Both cities are close to the national average in overall costs.

Atlanta and Nashville land within 5 points of each other on the composite index (107 vs 102), so the overall cost picture is similar. Transportation shows the widest single-category margin at 113 versus 100, making it the area where residents will feel the most day-to-day price difference between Atlanta and Nashville. Housing costs are comparable between the two metros, with Atlanta at 113 and Nashville at 108 on the housing sub-index and median home prices of $350,000 and $380,000 respectively. With nearly identical cost profiles, the deciding factor between Atlanta and Nashville is more likely income potential, career opportunity, or lifestyle preference than raw cost of living.

For renters: With median rents of $1,700/month in Atlanta and $1,600/month in Nashville, the annual rent difference is approximately $1,200. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $6,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $30,000 difference in median home prices between Atlanta and Nashville translates to roughly $1,800 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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