Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
37% cheaper
Nashville is 37% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $47,222 in Nashville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Nashville sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $380,000 in Nashville, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,600 in Nashville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jersey City scores 105 while Nashville scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Nashville (98). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $59,828 in Nashville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Nashville.
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