Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Rochester is 8% more affordable than Nashville. A $75,000 salary in Nashville is equivalent to $69,118 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Nashville scores 96 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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