Rent vs Buy Calculator — Nashville, TN
Prefilled with Nashville estimates: a ~$450,000 home (about $90,000 for 20% down) versus ~$1,850/mo rent. Tennessee's effective property tax of 0.67% — near the U.S. average (~1.1%) — adds roughly $3,015/yr, and typical homeowners insurance runs about $2,200/yr. Adjust every field to your actual home below.
Is it better to rent or buy in Nashville?
There's no universal answer — it hinges on how long you'll stay, what you'd earn investing the down payment instead, and Tennessee's tax and insurance costs. Property tax is the biggest local lever: at 0.67% on a $450,000 home that's about $3,015 every year, before insurance and maintenance. Use the break-even readout above to see the year buying pulls ahead, and the appreciation rate that flips the decision.
What makes Nashville, TN different
- Median home price estimate: $450,000
- Typical monthly rent estimate: $1,850
- Tennessee effective property tax: 0.67% (~$3,015/yr here)
- Tennessee avg. homeowners insurance: $2,200/yr
Starting estimates as of 2026-01 — see the methodology & sources.