Nashville vs Houston

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Houston is roughly 25% more affordable than Nashville (index 73 vs 97, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Houston
More affordable overall
25% cheaper than Nashville · Cost index: 73 vs 97

Head-to-Head Stats

97Cost Index73
4,583Median Income /mo5,094
42Safety Index19
0Income Tax %0
90Internet (Mbps)145
250Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

NashvilleCategoryHouston
$1,700/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
21% ← cheaper
$1,350/month
$1.09/liter
Meal for One
25% cheaper →
$1.45/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$65/month
Monthly Transit Pass
8% ← cheaper
$60/month
$140/month
Utilities (Monthly)
30% cheaper →
$200/month
$100/visit
Doctor Visit
32% cheaper →
$148/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Nashville

Internet90 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Houston

Internet145 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability45/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville cheaper than Houston?

Houston is cheaper than Nashville. Houston has a cost of living index of 73/100 compared to 97/100 for Nashville, making it roughly 25% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Houston than Nashville?

Houston is approximately 25% cheaper than Nashville based on cost index scores (73 vs 97, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Nashville could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,258/month in Houston.

What is the rent comparison between Nashville and Houston?

In Nashville, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,700/month. In Houston, the equivalent is around $1,350/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Nashville or Houston?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Nashville offers 90 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Houston offers 145 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 25%.

What is the average income in Nashville vs Houston?

The median net monthly salary in Nashville is approximately $4,583 USD, compared to $5,094 USD in Houston.

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