Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Nashville is 22% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $58,846 in Nashville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Nashville scores 96 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Nashville.
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