Moving from Durham to Nashville (2026)
Nashville has a COL index of 112 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 10% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Nashville to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Nashville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $43,922 |
| $50K | $54,902 |
| $60K | $65,882 |
| $75K | $82,353 |
| $80K | $87,843 |
| $100K | $109,804 |
| $120K | $131,765 |
| $150K | $164,706 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Nashville
| Expense | Durham | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $372 | $365 |
| Transport | $82 | $70 |
| Utilities | $155 | $170 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,276 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Nashville cheaper than Durham?
No. Nashville has a cost of living index of 112 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 10% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Nashville?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Nashville run about $44/month more than Durham. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Nashville to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $82,353/year in Nashville. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only