How Much Does It Really Cost to Move Into a Nashville Apartment in 2026?
A relocator’s guide to neighborhood pricing, lifestyle differences, and monthly living costs
If you're planning a move to Nashville, one of the first things you'll notice is how much prices vary based on where in the city you want to live. You can look up a citywide rent average online and get a general idea, but it’s not very helpful until you know which neighborhoods actually fit your lifestyle and your budget.
A one-bedroom apartment might be around $1,300 in one part of Nashville and close to $3,000 in another. Both are normal. Both are Nashville. It all depends on how close you want to be to restaurants, coffee shops, nightlife, and the overall pace of the city.
The best way to understand Nashville pricing is simple.
First, decide on your lifestyle.
Second, decide on your budget.
Then look at neighborhoods that match both.
Once you do that, the price ranges make complete sense.
Here’s what it really costs to live here based on the type of Nashville experience you want.
Walkable Urban Nashville
Highest cost tier
For renters who want to walk to restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, and nightlife
This is the version of Nashville most relocators picture. Luxury buildings, rooftop pools, skyline views, and the ability to walk to almost anything.
These neighborhoods command the highest prices because they offer the most convenience and the newest buildings.
Neighborhoods in this group: The Gulch, Midtown, Germantown, West End, Hillsboro Village, Music Row, Wedgewood Houston, Twelve South, walkable pockets of East Nashville, Sylvan Park, newer mid rises in The Nations, Metrocenter
Realistic rent ranges
Studios: $1,600 to $2,000
One-bedrooms: $1,900 to $3,000 or more
Two-bedrooms: $2,600 to $4,500 or more
Example: The Gulch
One bedroom: $2,400 to $3,000 or more
You're paying for location, convenience, and amenities. For many relocators, this is exactly the experience they want, but it helps to know the pricing before you build your budget.
Trendy Lifestyle Neighborhoods
Mid to high range
Still walkable and fun, but not priced like The Gulch or Midtown
These areas have great food, coffee shops, local energy, and an authentic Nashville feel. They're still popular and lively, but the pricing isn’t at the same premium level as the most walkable neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods in this group: East Nashville near Five Points, The Nations, parts of Sylvan Park, parts of Wedgewood Houston.
Realistic rent ranges
Studios: $1,400 to $1,700
One bedroom: $1,800 to $2,200
Two bedroom: $2,300 to $3,200
Example: East Nashville near Five Points
One bedroom: $1,800 to $2,200
You still get walkable pockets, culture, and plenty to do, but without Gulch level pricing.
In Nashville but Not Walkable
Best value tier
For renters who want a Nashville address without paying a walkability premium.
These neighborhoods offer the best pricing while still being inside the Nashville city limits.
You'll drive everywhere, but you stay close to town and save a significant amount compared to Midtown or The Gulch.
Neighborhoods in this group: Donelson, Hermitage, Bellevue, Madison, South Nashville, Antioch
Realistic rent ranges
Studios: $1,150 to $1,300
One bedroom: $1,300 to $1,600
Two bedroom: $1,600 to $2,000
Example: Antioch
One bedroom: $1,300 to $1,550
Compared to The Gulch at $2,400 to $3,000 or more, this can be a difference of over $1,000 per month for a similar amount of space.
Surrounding Higher End Suburban Areas
You'll drive everywhere, but you stay close to town and save a significant amount compared to Midtown or The Gulch.
For renters who want larger homes, calmer neighborhoods, and quick access to Nashville
These areas are just outside the city but close enough to commute easily. They offer bigger floorplans, high quality communities, and a peaceful residential feel. Pricing is usually higher than the non walkable Nashville neighborhoods but lower than the walkable urban core.
Neighborhoods in this group: Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville
Realistic rent ranges
Studios: $1,400 to $1,650
One bedroom: $1,600 to $1,900
Two bedroom: $1,900 to $2,300
Example: Brentwood
One bedroom: $1,600 to $1,900
This is a great fit for renters who want quiet and space without being far from the city.
Cost of Living for Nashville Renters
Monthly expenses that most people should expect beyond rent:
Rent is only one part of your monthly cost of living. If you're relocating, it helps to know what renters pay for utilities and everyday expenses.
Electricity
Most Nashville apartments run on electric HVAC systems.
Average: $90 to $150 per month
Larger units in peak summer: $180 to $220
Water, sewer, trash
Most properties bill this through the community.
Average: $40 to $70 per month
Valet trash, if required, is usually $25 to $35
Internet
Most buildings offer Google Fiber, AT and T Fiber, or Xfinity
Typical cost: $70 to $85 per month
Renters insurance
Required in most communities
About $12 to $20 per month
Parking
Free in many non-walkable neighborhoods
Walkable urban neighborhoods: $75 to $175 per month
Premium garages: $150 to $225 per month
Groceries
Nashville grocery prices are close to the national average
Individual: $300 to $450 per month
Couple: $550 to $800 per month
Gas
Often slightly below the national average
About $2.70 to $3.40 per gallon
Eating out
Coffee: $4 to $7
Casual meals: $12 to $18
Sit-down restaurants: $20 to $40 per entree
Cocktails: $12 to $18
Average monthly living expenses beyond rent
Utilities and essentials: $250 to $400 per month
Utilities plus groceries: $550 to $850 per month
Utilities plus groceries plus garage parking: $650 to $1,050 per month
Move In Costs You Should Expect
Application fee
$50 to $100 per adult
Admin fee
$150 to $300
This reserves the unit while they run your screening
Security deposit
$250 to $500 if you're fully approved
Up to one month of rent if you're approved with conditions
First month of rent
Usually prorated
If you move in late in the month, you might owe the prorated amount plus the next full month at the same time
Pet fees
Up to $500 one time deposit
Pet rent varies by property, usually $25 - $35 per month
How to Choose the Right Neighborhood
The easiest way to plan your move is to work in this order:
Step one
Decide your lifestyle
Walkability, quiet, nightlife, space, restaurants, neighborhood feel
Step two
Set a realistic budget
Walkability costs more
Suburban-style neighborhoods cost less
Step three
Match your lifestyle and budget to your neighborhoods
Once you do this, pricing becomes predictable, and you can search confidently
How We Help Relocators Move With Confidence
Kayla and I help people move to Nashville every day. We walk you through everything including:
Realistic rent pricing for the lifestyle you want
Move in costs and monthly expenses
Which neighborhoods actually fit your budget
Which communities have the features you care about
How to avoid wasting money on applications
How to tour and apply with clarity instead of stress
Our service is completely free, and it makes relocating to Nashville much easier.
If you're planning a move in 2026, reach out anytime and tell us the lifestyle you hope for. We'll help you find the right fit.
