The numbers, side by side
| Metric | Atlanta | Nashville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index | 111 | 110 | -1 |
| 1-bed rent (avg) | $1,600 | $1,550 | -$50 |
| 2-bed rent (avg) | $2,050 | $2,000 | -$50 |
| Median household income | $62,348 | $59,234 | -$3,114 |
| Population | 498,044 | 715,884 | +217,840 |
What salary you'd need in Nashville
To maintain your Atlanta purchasing power, here's what you'd need to earn in Nashville.
Atlanta vs Nashville: which makes more sense for you?
On paper, Atlanta's cost-of-living index of 111 runs roughly 0.9% higher than Nashville's 110. But that headline number papers over real differences in how that cost is distributed — rent might be far more expensive while groceries and transit costs run closer to even.
The rent gap
A 1-bedroom apartment in Atlanta averages $1,600/month, vs $1,550/month in Nashville — a -$50 difference. For 2-bedrooms, the gap widens to -$50/month. Over a year, the rent difference alone is $600 on a 1-bed.
Income context
Median household income in Atlanta is $62,348, while Nashville runs $59,234 (-$3,114 difference). That matters for how the cost-of-living gap actually feels day-to-day — if local salaries are also higher, the cost difference washes out partly. If local salaries lag the cost-of-living gap, your paycheck buys noticeably less.
State tax differences
Atlanta is in Georgia and Nashville is in Tennessee, so you'll also pick up a state-tax difference. Tax-free states like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Washington, and Nevada deliver real take-home upside even when nominal salaries are similar.