Cost of Living in Davidson County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Davidson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Davidson County ranks #3,020 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Davidson County, Tennessee
Davidson's housing costs grip harder than most
At 23.6%, Davidson County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national average, signaling that Nashville-area renters dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing—well above the typical American burden. With median rent at $1,485 against a $75,664 median household income (nearly matching the national $74,755), Davidson demonstrates how urban markets compress affordability.
Davidson ranks Tennessee's least affordable county
Davidson's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio towers above Tennessee's 17.6% state average, making it the state's most housing-stressed county by this measure. The $1,485 median rent nearly doubles the state average of $860, reflecting Nashville's emergence as a high-cost regional hub.
Davidson vastly outprices surrounding counties
Davidson's $1,485 rent nearly doubles Dickson County's $972 and tripled Dyer County's $760, illustrating the Nashville metropolitan premium. Even compared to prosperous Fayette County ($883 rent), Davidson's housing costs are dramatically steeper, revealing concentrated urban pressures.
Where Davidson incomes stretch thin
Renters spend $1,485 monthly while homeowners face $1,458 mortgages—both consuming over 23% of the $75,664 median household income. The median home value of $386,600 places homeownership further from reach, particularly for renters already straining under high monthly payments.
Nashville boom has real affordability costs
Davidson County's growth and opportunity come with a 23.6% rent-to-income ratio that demands higher earnings than most Tennessee relocations require. Compare these numbers carefully against more affordable alternatives like Cumberland (17.0%) or Fayette (12.5%) before committing to Nashville-area housing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Davidson County
Affordability Verdict
Davidson County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,485/month — about 23.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Davidson County is $1,485/month, while owner costs run $1,458/month. Owning saves approximately $27/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $59,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $62,486/year. With a median household income of $75,664, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Davidson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Rutherford County where rent averages $1,405/month, Davidson County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Davidson County
Rent Burden
23.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,765
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.1%
of gross income
The median home in Davidson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $386,600. Estimated monthly cost: $3,086 vs. your max of $1,765.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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