Is Nashville Expensive to Visit and Live In? (Pros & Cons)

Nashville is a popular tourist destination because of attractions like Opryland, The Grand Ole Opry House, Lower Broadway, and all the music venues. There are also many museums around town. In this blog post we find out the answer to an age old question; Is Nashville Expensive to Visit and Live In?

The cost of living in Nashville is high because it’s an expensive city to live in overall but lower than the national average. That means most things cost more than they would elsewhere–housing prices are higher than average; food is more costly; transportation can be pricey too (like trains). As with most cities, you’ll find that lower-income neighborhoods have cheaper housing options than more upscale areas.

Nashville – An Expensive City

Nashville is a big music city, so the cost of living depends on how much you’re willing to spend for entertainment (going out). If you like live music and nightlife, it’s not too pricey because there are plenty of venues around town to choose from-you can find something that fits your budget.

There are a lot of job opportunities in Nashville, but there’s also a high cost of living because it is an expensive city to live in. That means most things cost more than they would elsewhere–housing prices are higher than average; food is more costly; transportation can be pricey too (like trains). As with most cities, you’ll find that lower-income neighborhoods have cheaper housing options than more upscale areas.

Cost of Living in Nashville

One reason is that the cost of living in Nashville-Davidson County, Tennessee is higher than average. The cost of living index for Nashville is 95.9 while the U.S. average is 100. The cost of groceries for a family of four in Nashville is 18% higher than the national average.

Health Insurance premiums tend to be quite high in Davidson County. Costs vary depending on individual needs, but expect to pay around $630 per month for an employer-provided Gold Plan and $448 for a Bronze Plan.

It’s important to remember that while the cost of living is high, Nashville is just slightly above average. This means that some costs are on par with the national averages, such as transportation and healthcare. However, housing and utilities tend to be more expensive in Nashville.

In spite of the high cost of living, there are many reasons to love living in Nashville. The city has a thriving music and arts scene, is home to some of the country’s top universities, and has a low crime rate.

If you’re thinking of moving to Nashville, it’s important to do your research and budget accordingly. Make sure you have a cushion for unexpected expenses, as the cost of living in Nashville can be unpredictable.

Pros of living in Nashville

• Cost of Housing can be less expensive by choosing to live in the outskirts of Nashville (e.g., Gallatin, TN; Hendersonville, TN; Murfreesboro, TN) or in suburbs that are adjacent to other major cities (e.g., Franklin, TN; Oak Hill/Nashville West Shopping Center-Goodlettsville, TN; Brentwood Town Center-Brentwood, TN).
• There are many job opportunities in Nashville, especially for those with a college degree.
• The nightlife and music scene is unparalleled.
• Nashvillians enjoy a four-season climate that is not too hot or too cold.
• Low crime rate
• Thriving music and arts scene
• Great food scene
• Large number of colleges

Cons of living in Nashville

• Cost of Living can be expensive if you want to live in the heart of Nashville.
• Traffic congestion is a problem, especially during rush hour.
• The weather can be unpredictable (e.g., tornadoes, ice storms).

Why makes Nashville so expensive to live in?

The main reasons are high taxes, housing costs and living expenses.

• Nashville has one of the highest sales tax in the country at 9.25%
• Home values are appreciating quickly due to the demand of people wanting to move to Nashville
• Rental fees are also increasing with constant building construction, adding more strain to citizens budget
• Groceries, transportation and health insurance are all higher than the national average. Healthcare premiums for an employer provided Gold Plan is $630 per month.

Despite these factors, Nashville remains a popular city to live in with its low crime rate and abundance of job opportunities. If you can afford the high living costs, Nashville is an ideal place to settle down.

Why pick Nashville to visit?

Nashville is known for its country music history and influence, plus it’s home to the Grand Ole Opry. There are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy live music or watch a sports game on TV. If you like visiting attractions, there are many fun things to do in Nashville: from shopping and dining to art galleries, museums and music halls.

Most people only visit Nashville for one or two nights, but it’s actually a great city to use as a base camp. Within an hour’s drive is the beautiful city of Chattanooga, which offers free parking downtown if you visit on the first Saturday of every month. There are also some great hikes in the surrounding area, which are perfect for getting outdoors.

Is Nashville expensive to visit?

That’s a tough question to answer, as it depends on what you’re looking for during your trip. There are definitely some things that will cost you more in Nashville than in other cities, but there are also plenty of free and affordable activities to enjoy.

If you’re looking to splurge, there are plenty of high-end restaurants and hotels in Nashville. In fact, the city has been named one of the most expensive places to stay in the U.S. But there are also plenty of affordable options, especially if you’re willing to camp or stay in a hostel.

Some of the things that will cost you more in Nashville than in other cities include dining, entertainment and attractions. Upscale food can be pricey anywhere, but especially so in Nashville. Most of the on-the-beat attractions have a fee to gain entrance or explore, with the exception of some downtown museums that are free from Monday to Saturday (and even then most offer discounted prices for seniors and students).

Here are some suggestions of free and affordable things to do during your trip:

• Nashville Farmers’ Market (Open Wed-Sunday) – There are over 120 vendors at the market, so you can take home delicious meat, fruit and veggies. But there are also plenty of free samples to be enjoyed while browsing through the stalls.
• Centennial Park (Open all day, every day) – This park is home to a large lake, walking trails and the Parthenon replica. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk or a picnic lunch.
• Frist Center for the Visual Arts (Open Tuesday-Saturday) – Admission is free for all visitors on Tuesday, and discounted rates are available for seniors, students and children.
• The Johnny Cash Museum (Open 9am-5pm) – Admission is $14 for adults, but there are discounts available for seniors, military members and students.
• The Ryman Auditorium (Open 9am-5pm) – This famous music hall has been fully restored to its former glory, and is now a performance venue as well as a museum. Admission is $14 for adults, but there are discounts available for seniors, military members and students.
• The Parthenon (Open 9am-4:30pm) – Located in Centennial Park, this replica of the original Parthenon in Greece is a source of pride for the city. Admission is $6 for adults, but there are discounts available for seniors and military members.
• The Tennessee State Museum (Open 9am-5pm) – This museum features a number of exhibits about the culture and history of Tennessee. Admission is only $3, and it’s free for children and military members.

So, is Nashville expensive to visit? It really depends on what you want to do. But there are plenty of affordable activities available, so you can definitely have a great trip without breaking the bank.

How to save money while visiting Nashville?

There are a few ways to save money while visiting Nashville. One is to take advantage of the city’s free attractions, such as the public library, Centennial Park, and the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.

Another way to save money is to avoid eating out at expensive restaurants. Instead, try some of the city’s local food joints, which offer great food at a fraction of the price.

Finally, be sure to take advantage of Nashville’s public transportation system. The Music City Star offers train service from the airport and suburbs into downtown for just $5 one-way. You can also use Metro Transit buses to get around town for $2.50 per ride.

What else would you tell someone who was considering a visit to Nashville?

Nashville is home to many great country music stars, but there’s also plenty of live music venues that offer everything from jazz and blues to folk and rock. It’s the birthplace of Southern cuisine, so you can expect to find some delicious down-home cooking while you’re in town.

And if you’re a fan of whiskey, you’ll definitely want to check out some of the distilleries that are open for tours. It’s a vibrant city with something to do every night. If you have the time, why not stay for a few days?

Verdict

So, is it expensive to visit and live in Nashville? The answer is both yes and no. It depends on what you are looking for. If you are drawn to the cost of living in Nashville, then you will find both pros and cons. On the other hand, if you are drawn to that which is less expensive; then Nashville may not be your cup of tea.

There are many things to love about living in Nashville, such as its thriving music and arts scene, low crime rate, and excellent universities. However, the cost of living in Nashville is high, so it’s important to do your research and budget accordingly. Make sure you have a cushion for unexpected expenses, as the cost of living can be unpredictable. If you’re thinking of moving to Nashville or visiting for a vacation, be sure to take these things into account.