ReloMath

Washington, DC vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Washington, DC and Nashville, TN. 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 ↗

Washington, DC

DC

Overall RPP (US=100)
111.3
Housing RPP
156.3
Goods RPP
107.2
2-BR median rent
$2,045/mo

DC income tax 4%-10.75%. MD and VA suburbs have own state taxes.

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 Washington, DC by about 13.2% (RPP 111.3 to 96.6).

$60,000 in Washington, DC

-> $52,075

in Nashville, TN

$100,000 in Washington, DC

-> $86,792

in Nashville, TN

$150,000 in Washington, DC

-> $130,189

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 Washington, DC?
Nashville, TN (RPP 96.6) is cheaper than Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) by about 13.2%.
What salary do I need in Nashville, TN if I earn $100,000 in Washington, DC?
You would need approximately $86,792 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Washington, DC. Formula: $100,000 x (96.6 / 111.3).