Nashville vs. Denver: Is Music City or the Mile High City the Better Move in 2025?
Thinking about relocating in 2025? You’re not alone.
More Americans than ever are exploring booming new cities across state lines, and if you’re trying to choose between top destinations like Nashville, Tennessee and Denver, Colorado, you’re in good company. Both have emerged as magnets for remote workers, young professionals, and families—thanks to vibrant job markets, unique lifestyles, and expanding real estate opportunities—but which city offers better value for your budget?
Whether you’re looking to stretch your dollar as a remote worker, settle down with your family, or simply find a lower cost of living without giving up quality of life, the cost-of-living contrast between Tennessee and Colorado may surprise you.
Ready to dive into two of America’s hottest relocation spots and see where your money goes further in 2025? Let’s compare these fast-growing cities and find out where life is more affordable, easier to enjoy, and better suited to your lifestyle goals.
Table of Contents
- Why Nashville and Denver Are Trending in 2025
- Housing Costs
- Groceries and Dining
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Taxes and Local Fees
- Lifestyle Costs (Entertainment, Fitness, Childcare)
- Monthly Cost Estimates: Nashville vs. Denver
- Which City Offers Better Value?
- Zip Code Deep Dive
- Conclusion and What’s Next
1. Why Nashville and Denver Are Trending in 2025
Nashville, TN
Nicknamed “Music City,” Nashville has evolved from honky-tonk haven to a rising tech and healthcare hub. Over the past few years, the city has welcomed a wave of remote workers and young professionals drawn by no state income tax, vibrant neighborhoods, and a relatively affordable housing market.
Why It’s Trending:
- Fastest growing job sectors in tech and healthcare
- Robust startup scene and entrepreneurship ecosystem
- No state income tax
- Lower cost of living than most large metros
- Popular among digital nomads and remote workers
Denver, CO
Denver, the capital of the Rocky Mountain state, is renowned for its outdoor lifestyle, booming tech scene, and vibrant culture. While costs have risen in recent years, the city continues to draw in remote workers and active-lifestyle enthusiasts.
Why It’s Trending:
- Strong tech job market and startup culture
- Proximity to the Rockies for outdoor recreation
- Increasing real estate investment and redevelopment
- Among top destinations for young professionals and Millennials
2. Housing Costs
Perhaps the biggest cost-of-living factor—can you afford to put down roots or rent long-term?
| Expense | Nashville, TN | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price (2025 est.) | $415,000 | $545,000 |
| Avg. 2-Bedroom Rent | $1,550/month | $2,100/month |
| Avg. Apartment Utilities | $160/month | $190/month |
Nashville’s housing market is growing, but still manageable compared to Denver’s high demand and sky-high inventory shortage.
3. Groceries and Dining
Groceries and dining costs reflect regional agriculture, transportation, and local markets.
| Expense | Nashville, TN | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Grocery (1 adult) | ~$375 | ~$415 |
| Avg. Restaurant Meal | $17 | $20 |
| Weekly Dining Out (2x/week) | $136/month | $160/month |
Nashville has a growing food scene at a more modest cost. Denver offers more organic and health-focused options, but at a premium.
4. Utilities
Utilities are impacted by weather patterns, fuels, and state regulation.
| Utility Type | Nashville, TN | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity & Gas/month | $130 | $150 |
| Internet | $60/month | $70/month |
Denver’s snowy winters push heating bills higher during cold months than in milder Nashville.
5. Transportation
Public transit, car use, and commuting challenges vary greatly between these cities.
| Transportation Mode | Nashville, TN | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | $65 | $114 |
| Monthly Car Expenses (avg) | $650 | $720 |
| Traffic Congestion Index | Moderate | High |
Neither city has world-class transit, but Denver’s RTD offers wider coverage. Still, auto dependency remains high in both.
6. Healthcare
Healthcare costs vary by market, provider networks, and insurance dynamics.
| Healthcare Service | Nashville, TN | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance (individual) | ~$500/month | ~$580/month |
| Typical Doctor Visit | $110 | $130 |
| Emergency Room Visit | $1,200 | $1,500 |
Nashville’s healthcare costs are more competitive—some would say unsurprisingly, given it’s home to major healthcare corporations like HCA Healthcare.
7. Taxes and Local Fees
Tennessee is one of the few states without a personal income tax, a major saving.
| Tax Type | Nashville, TN | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 0% | 4.4% |
| Sales Tax (avg.) | 9.25% | 8.81% |
| Property Tax (Annual) | ~0.64% of value | ~0.49% of value |
| Vehicle Registration | ~$100/year | ~$200/year |
Zero state income tax in Tennessee can mean huge savings over time for those with modest to high incomes.
8. Lifestyle Costs (Entertainment, Fitness, Childcare)
From concerts to CrossFit to childcare, these figures show weekly routines add up fast.
| Lifestyle Category | Nashville, TN | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness Membership | $55/month | $69/month |
| Movie Ticket | $13 | $16 |
| Childcare (full-day) | $860/month | $1,260/month |
| Average Happy Hour | $9/cocktail | $12/cocktail |
Nashville has more affordable entertainment and child-friendly costs, while Denver appeals more to outdoor and health-conscious enthusiasts—but with a deeper price tag.
9. Monthly Cost Estimates (2025): Nashville vs. Denver
| Category | Nashville (1 person) | Denver (1 person) | Nashville (family of 4) | Denver (family of 4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent incl. utils) | $1,700 | $2,400 | $2,400 | $3,200 |
| Groceries & Dining | $500 | $575 | $1,200 | $1,400 |
| Transportation | $650 | $800 | $950 | $1,100 |
| Healthcare | $500 | $580 | $1,700 | $2,100 |
| Lifestyle Activities | $200 | $280 | $400 | $600 |
| Childcare | N/A | N/A | $860 | $1,260 |
| Total per Month | $3,550 | $4,635 | $7,510 | $9,660 |
10. Which City Offers Better Value?
While both cities are hotspots with thriving job markets and unique aesthetics, Nashville clearly offers better affordability across multiple metrics. From housing and childcare to taxes and food, Nashville lets your money stretch further—whether you’re working remotely or planning to raise a family.
Denver, on the other hand, delivers premium outdoor access, a slightly more advanced public transit network, and a larger pool of tech jobs—but comes with significantly higher costs.
11. Zip Code Deep Dive
Do specific Nashville zip codes cost less? What are the hidden gems in Denver?
- Nashville 37206 (East Nashville): Trendy with growing walkability, 2-bed rentals average $1,450
- Nashville 37209 (The Nations): Rapid growth zone; median home price ~$390,000
- Denver 80211 (Highlands): Hip, urban, but pricey: home prices climb above $600,000
- Denver 80239 (Montbello): More affordable, but longer commutes
Browse cost specifics by zip code near your target neighborhood on CompaniesByZipcode.com for real-time comparisons.
12. Conclusion and What’s Next
In 2025, Nashville holds serious appeal for anyone seeking affordable living with a high quality of life. Its no state income tax, lower housing costs, and family-friendly lifestyle make it a top pick for both young workers and parents.
That said, if mountain views and big tech call your name, Denver has its own set of irresistible perks—just be prepared to pay more for the lifestyle balance.
Want to compare even more cities by zip code? Head over to CompaniesByZipcode.com and explore how your future location stacks up on the metrics that matter.