Austin vs Nashville: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Austin is 9% more expensive than Nashville. Austin is 11% safer. Nashville has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Austin population: 1,002,632. Nashville population: 678,044.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Austin vs Nashville
Nashville is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 110 vs 120 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 10 index points.
| Category | Austin | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 120 | 110 |
| Housing | $2,990/moIndex: 168 | $2,581/moIndex: 145 |
| Groceries | $410/moIndex: 100 | $402/moIndex: 98 |
| Transportation | $368/moIndex: 105 | $368/moIndex: 105 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $326/moIndex: 102 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $202/moIndex: 92 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Austin vs Nashville
Austin is 11% safer overall, with a crime rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents vs Nashville's 44.5. Austin earns a D- safety grade compared to Nashville's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Austin
Texas
Nashville
Tennessee
| Metric | Austin | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 39.5/1K | 44.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 350.0 | 950.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3600.0 | 3500.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.6 | 13.1 |
| Assault Rate | 278.3 | 672.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.6 | 169.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 461.8 | 480.3 |
| Theft Rate | 3112.6 | 2918.0 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 763.2 | 556.4 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Austin, you have a 1 in 25 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 22 in Nashville.
Climate: Austin vs Nashville
Austin Climate Overview
Nashville Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Austin | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 80.2°F | 70.8°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 58.7°F | 50.5°F |
| Annual Rain | 33.9" | 46.2" |
| Annual Snow | None | 5.0" |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 6 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 1 |
Austin is 7°F warmer in summer than Nashville, but Nashville is 12°F colder in winter than Austin. Nashville gets 5 inches of snow annually, while Austin rarely sees any. Nashville is wetter with 46" of annual rain compared to 34". Nashville has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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