Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Nashville is 17% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $62,195 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Nashville scores 96 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Nashville.
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