Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Nashville is 13% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $65,385 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Nashville scores 96 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Nashville.
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