Average Rent in Nashville 2026
The average rent in Nashville, TN is $1,600 for a 1-bedroom, $1,900 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,400 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Nashville is 8% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $64,000.
Nashville Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,600
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,900
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,400
per month
Cost of Living in Nashville
108
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Nashville's cost of living index is 108, which is 8% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Nashville at a Glance
Population
684K
Median Income
$65,883
COL Index
108
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Nashville?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Nashville by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,600/mo rent
$64,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,900/mo rent
$76,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,400/mo rent
$96,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Nashville
Save $650/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,600
per month
Split 2BR
$950
per person/month
Annual Savings
$7,800
per year
Instead of paying $1,600 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,900) with one roommate brings your share to $950. That is $7,800 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Nashville
Nashville, TN does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Nashville Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Nashville rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Nashville
Is Nashville expensive to rent in?
Nashville is moderately priced but rising. A 1-bedroom averages $1,600 per month in 2026, about 8% above the national average. Rents have climbed steadily with the city's growing population and economy. Tennessee has no state income tax.
How much income do you need to rent in Nashville?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $5,333 per month ($64,000 annually) to afford an average $1,600/month 1-bedroom apartment in Nashville.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Nashville?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,900/month) with one roommate brings your share to $950, saving $650 per month or $7,800 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Nashville?