Boston, MA vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Boston, MA and Nashville, TN. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Boston, MA
MA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 112
- Housing RPP
- 150.3
- Goods RPP
- 110.1
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,827/mo
Massachusetts flat income tax 5.0%. No city income tax.
Nashville, TN
TN
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 96.6
- Housing RPP
- 105.8
- Goods RPP
- 94.4
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,619/mo
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages.
Equivalent salary
Nashville, TN is cheaper than Boston, MA by about 13.8% (RPP 112 to 96.6).
$60,000 in Boston, MA
-> $51,750
in Nashville, TN
$100,000 in Boston, MA
-> $86,250
in Nashville, TN
$150,000 in Boston, MA
-> $129,375
in Nashville, TN
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Nashville, TN cheaper or more expensive than Boston, MA?
- Nashville, TN (RPP 96.6) is cheaper than Boston, MA (RPP 112) by about 13.8%.
- What salary do I need in Nashville, TN if I earn $100,000 in Boston, MA?
- You would need approximately $86,250 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boston, MA. Formula: $100,000 x (96.6 / 112).