Nashville vs Provo

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: Tennessee salaries · Utah salaries

Living in Nashville vs Provo

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $1,300 in Provo.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Nashville scores 96 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are higher than Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.

Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.

Relocating: Nashville vs Provo

If you are considering a move between Nashville (index: 102) and Provo (index: 104), the 2% 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 Nashville can afford $1,396/month, while the median household in Provo can afford $1,191/month. With median homes at $380,000 in Nashville versus $380,000 in Provo, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,600/month in Nashville and $1,300/month in Provo, 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 about equally far in both cities. 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: Nashville (102) vs Provo (104)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Nashville at 102 is 2% above the US average, while Provo at 104 is 4% above average. Both cities are close to the national average in overall costs.

Nashville and Provo land within 2 points of each other on the composite index (102 vs 104), so the overall cost picture is similar. Utilities shows the widest single-category margin at 92 versus 87, making it the area where residents will feel the most day-to-day price difference between Nashville and Provo. Housing costs are comparable between the two metros, with Nashville at 108 and Provo at 112 on the housing sub-index and median home prices of $380,000 and $380,000 respectively. Neither city is cheaper across the board: Nashville has an edge in housing and groceries, while Provo is more affordable for utilities and healthcare. Your actual savings depend on which categories consume the biggest share of your personal budget.

For renters: With median rents of $1,600/month in Nashville and $1,300/month in Provo, the annual rent difference is approximately $3,600. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $18,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $0 difference in median home prices between Nashville and Provo translates to roughly $0 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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