Moving from Nashville to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 9% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Austin to match your Nashville lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Nashville | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $43,571 |
| $50K | $54,464 |
| $60K | $65,357 |
| $75K | $81,696 |
| $80K | $87,143 |
| $100K | $108,929 |
| $120K | $130,714 |
| $150K | $163,393 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Nashville vs Austin
| Expense | Nashville | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $365 | $372 |
| Transport | $70 | $50 |
| Utilities | $170 | $170 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,276 | $2,284 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Nashville?
No. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). That's about 9% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Nashville to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from Nashville to Austin could save roughly $8/month on core expenses. That's ~$96/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Nashville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Nashville, you'd need roughly $81,696/year in Austin. 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