🇺🇸 Cost of Living in Nashville - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: March 2026
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$85,810 (2024)
Inflation Rate3.0% (2024)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend10.9% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)5.4% (2021)
Source: World Bank Open Data
The cost of living in Nashville is generally considered to be moderate, with a daily budget ranging from $60-120 USD for backpackers to $250-400 USD for those seeking a more comfortable experience.
Quick Facts
Cost LevelModerate
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$60-120 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$150-250 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$250-400 USD
CurrencyUSD
Tipping Customexpected (15-20%)
How Expensive Is Nashville?
Nashville is a city located in the state of Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. Compared to other major cities in the United States, Nashville has a relatively moderate cost of living. The city's cost of living index is around 90, which is slightly lower than the national average. However, prices can vary depending on the neighborhood, with areas like downtown Nashville and the Gulch tend to be more expensive than other parts of the city. Overall, Nashville offers a great balance between affordability and quality of life, making it an attractive destination for tourists and residents alike.
In comparison to its neighboring cities, Nashville is more expensive than cities like Knoxville and Chattanooga, but less expensive than cities like Atlanta and Washington D.C. The city's economy is driven by the music industry, healthcare, and tourism, which contributes to its moderate cost of living. Additionally, Nashville's cost of living is influenced by its growing population and urbanization, which can drive up prices for housing, food, and other necessities.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$30-60
Shared rooms and basic amenities
Mid-Range Hotel
$100-200
Clean and comfortable rooms with standard amenities
Luxury/Resort
$250-500
High-end amenities and services, often located in downtown or upscale areas
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$1,200-2,500
City center: $1,800-3,000, outside city center: $1,000-2,000
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$8-15
Casual Restaurant
$15-30
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$40-70
Fine Dining
$80-150
Beer (local)
$5-10
Coffee
$2-5
Water (1.5L bottle)
$2-4
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$2-5
Taxi (per km)
$2-5
Domestic flight
$200-500
Fuel (per liter)
$0.70-1.20
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
800
1,500
2,500
Food
300
600
1,000
Transport
100
200
300
Utilities
100
200
300
Entertainment
200
400
600
Total
1,500
3,000
5,100
Money-Saving Tips
Consider visiting during the off-season (usually November to March) to take advantage of lower prices for accommodations and tourist attractions.
Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to save on transportation costs.
Take advantage of free or low-cost activities such as visiting the Parthenon, exploring the Nashville Public Library, or attending a free concert at the Bluebird Cafe.
Eat at local eateries or food trucks, which often offer affordable and delicious options.
Look for happy hour deals or discounts at restaurants and bars to save on food and drink costs.
Consider sharing an apartment or house with roommates to split the cost of rent and utilities.