Nashville vs Atlanta
Southeast growth destinations
MapsToIt comparison snapshot
Nashville or Atlanta — which fits a move?
Nashville, TN vs Atlanta, GA is a common relocator matchup (southeast growth destinations). Nashville posts the lower MapsToIt housing cost index (118 vs 129; 100 = U.S. avg), with median homes near $383,100 versus $420,600. Atlanta shows the higher median household income ($81,938 vs $75,197). Nashville has the shorter average commute (26 vs 31 minutes).
Side-by-side metrics
Figures use the same ACS housing index, BLS unemployment, FBI rates, and NOAA normals as each city profile — shown against U.S. / catalog baselines.
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Atlanta, GA | U.S. / catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 704,963 | 520,070 | N/A City limits only (not metro / MSA) |
| Median household income | $75,197 | $81,938 | $78,538 U.S. avg · Near U.S. avg |
| Median home value | $383,100 | $420,600 | $303,400 U.S. avg · 26% above U.S. avg |
| Median rent | $1,486 | $1,617 | $1,348 U.S. avg · 10% above U.S. avg |
| Housing cost index | 118 | 129 | 100 U.S. avg · 100 = U.S. average (ACS home + rent) |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 3.4% | 4.2% U.S. rate · county LAUS, not city-only |
| Avg commute | 26 min | 31 min | 25 min Catalog avg · Near catalog avg |
| Violent crime rate | 1073.1 / 100k | Unavailable | 559.5 / 100k Catalog avg · FBI data gap for at least one city |
| Property crime rate | 4041.1 / 100k | Unavailable | 3005.3 / 100k Catalog avg · FBI data gap for at least one city |
| Sunny days | 242 days | 242 days | 268 days Catalog avg · 10% below catalog avg |
| Summer high | 90°F | 89°F | 87°F Catalog avg · NOAA normals · nearest station |
| Winter low | 32°F | 35°F | 35°F Catalog avg · NOAA normals · nearest station |
When should you pick Nashville?
Choose Nashville when you prioritize its specific mix: housing index 118, median rent $1,486, unemployment 3.0%, and 90°F summer highs.
When should you pick Atlanta?
Choose Atlanta when that profile fits better: housing index 129, median rent $1,617, unemployment 3.4%, and 89°F summer highs — newcomers often compare Midtown and Buckhead.
Short verdict
Short verdict: pick Nashville if housing cost is the binding constraint; pick Atlanta for higher local incomes. The housing-index gap is 11 points. Open each full city profile for neighborhood lists, sources, and the interactive compare tool.