Denver vs Nashville: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Denver is 18% more expensive than Nashville. Denver is 2% safer. Nashville has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Denver population: 740,613. 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: Denver vs Nashville
Nashville is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 110 vs 130 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.
| Category | Denver | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 130 | 110 |
| Housing | $3,471/moIndex: 195 | $2,581/moIndex: 145 |
| Groceries | $431/moIndex: 105 | $402/moIndex: 98 |
| Transportation | $378/moIndex: 108 | $368/moIndex: 105 |
| Healthcare | $336/moIndex: 105 | $326/moIndex: 102 |
| Utilities | $198/moIndex: 90 | $202/moIndex: 92 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Denver vs Nashville
Denver is 2% safer overall, with a crime rate of 43.5 per 1,000 residents vs Nashville's 44.5. Denver earns a F safety grade compared to Nashville's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Denver
Colorado
Nashville
Tennessee
| Metric | Denver | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 43.5/1K | 44.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 550.0 | 950.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3800.0 | 3500.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.6 | 13.1 |
| Assault Rate | 429.0 | 672.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 99.8 | 169.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 593.2 | 480.3 |
| Theft Rate | 3293.7 | 2918.0 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 888.1 | 556.4 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Denver, you have a 1 in 23 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 22 in Nashville.
Climate: Denver vs Nashville
Denver Climate Overview
Nashville Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Denver | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 65.3°F | 70.8°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 36.1°F | 50.5°F |
| Annual Rain | 15.5" | 46.2" |
| Annual Snow | 43.0" | 5.0" |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 6 |
| Freezing Months | 5 | 1 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Denver is 13°F colder in winter than Nashville. Denver gets significantly more snow (43" vs 5"). Nashville is wetter with 46" of annual rain compared to 16". Nashville has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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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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