Question 1

Is Arlington or Nashville cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Nashville, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $76/month less than in Arlington, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,723/mo in Arlington versus $1,730/mo in Nashville.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Arlington vs Nashville?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $75,500/year before tax in Arlington, TX and $74,000/year in Nashville, TN — a difference of about $1,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Arlington or Nashville cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Nashville, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $10,055/month in Arlington and $9,104/month in Nashville, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Arlington or Nashville?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Nashville costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Arlington71	Nashville72
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,277	$4,201
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,055	$9,104
Salary for comfort	$75,500/yr	$74,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,723	$1,730
Median home value	$276,400	$383,100
Median household income	$73,519	$75,197
Unemployment	4.7%	2.9%
Housing score	57	44
Jobs score	51	96
Safety score	65	35
Climate score	94	100
Amenities score	73	77
Population	394.8K	684.3K
Summer high / winter low	95° / 36°	89° / 28°

Arlington, TX vs Nashville, TN