ReloMath

Nashville, TN vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Nashville, TN and Phoenix, AZ. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

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.

Phoenix, AZ

AZ

Overall RPP (US=100)
103.7
Housing RPP
122.9
Goods RPP
98.3
2-BR median rent
$1,877/mo

Arizona income tax 2.5% flat rate (since 2023). No city income tax.

Equivalent salary

Phoenix, AZ is more expensive than Nashville, TN by about 7.3% (RPP 96.6 to 103.7).

$60,000 in Nashville, TN

-> $64,410

in Phoenix, AZ

$100,000 in Nashville, TN

-> $107,350

in Phoenix, AZ

$150,000 in Nashville, TN

-> $161,025

in Phoenix, AZ

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 Phoenix, AZ cheaper or more expensive than Nashville, TN?
Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) is more expensive than Nashville, TN (RPP 96.6) by about 7.3%.
What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ if I earn $100,000 in Nashville, TN?
You would need approximately $107,350 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Nashville, TN. Formula: $100,000 x (103.7 / 96.6).