Key factors that impact the cost of your Lexington to Nashville move
What to know before moving from Lexington to Nashville
Moving from Lexington to Nashville comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Nashville is generally more expensive than Lexington, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Lexington | Nashville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,345 | $1,971 |
Average home value | $309,021 | $428,678 |
Average income (per capita) | $61,526 | $79,020 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,100 | $3,108 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,170 | $8,447 |
Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.5% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.75% |
State income tax | 4.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Nashville are 47% higher than in Lexington, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Lexington.
Home prices in Nashville are 38.7% higher than in Lexington. - Income in Nashville is 28.4% higher than in Lexington, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Nashville include HCA Healthcare, Access Control Systems, and Bridgestone.
- The cost of living for a single person is the same in Nashville and Lexington. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Nashville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Nashville is 102.6% higher than in Lexington.
- The unemployment rate in Nashville is 4.65% higher than in Lexington.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Nashville, since the cityโs sales taxes in Nashville are 62.50% higher than in Lexington.
- One perk of moving to Nashville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Lexington.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,007.74 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lexington.
How life is different in Lexington vs. Nashville
Nashville | Lexington | |
---|---|---|
Population | 689,447 | 320,347 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 4 |
Walkability score | 96 | 90 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 85 |
Crime Index | 49.1 | 50.88 |
Safety Index | 50.9 | 49.12 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Nashville is about 115% greater than Lexington, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Nashville will be about the same as it currently is in Lexington. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Living in Nashville means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Lexington. Nashville is considered more walkable than Lexington, with a score of 96 out of 100 versus 90 out of 100 in Lexington. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Nashville, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Lexington. While Lexington has a bike-friendliness score of 85 out of 100, Nashville earned a 72. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Nashville as Lexington. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- Nashville is generally as safe as Lexington, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Nashville and Lexington is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Lexington vs. Nashville move
- Weather: Nashville has humid summers and generally cool winters typical of the Upper South. Spring and fall are prone to severe thunderstorms, which may bring tornadoes, large hail, flash floods, and damaging wind. Be sure to check your weather app before your move to avoid inclement weather.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Tennessee moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Tennessee doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Nashville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Nashville
Ready to relocate to "Athens of the South"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Nashville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Germantown
- The Gulch
- Midtown
- Music Row
Best neighborhoods for families
- Belmont-Hillsboro
- Buena Vista
- Green Hills
- Lockeland Springs
- Oak Hill
Things to do in Nashville
Once youโre settled into your new home in Tennessee, itโs time to get out and discover what Nashville has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Nashville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, The Johnny Cash Museum, RCA Studio B, and Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Riverfront Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), or Nashville SC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lexington to Nashville?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lexington to Nashville are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lexington are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lexington to Nashville?
With many people choosing to move from Lexington to Nashville in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Lexington to Nashville take?
Moving from Lexington, KY to Nashville, TN covers 213 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Lexington movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Nashville.