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), while Nashville edges 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 | 684,298 | 499,287 | N/A City limits only (not metro / MSA) |
| Median household income | $75,197 | $81,938 | $78,538 Near national average |
| Median home value | $383,100 | $420,600 | $303,400 26% above national average |
| Median rent | $1,486 | $1,617 | $1,348 10% above national average |
| Housing cost index | 118 | 129 | 100 100 = U.S. average (ACS home + rent) |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.2% County LAUS rate, not city-only |
| Avg commute | 26 min | 31 min | 25 min Near national average |
| Violent crime rate | 1073.1 / 100k | Unavailable | 602.7 / 100k FBI data gap for at least one city |
| Property crime rate | 4041.1 / 100k | Unavailable | 3084.9 / 100k FBI data gap for at least one city |
| Sunny days | 242 days | 242 days | 266 days 9% below national average |
| Summer high | 90°F | 89°F | 87°F NOAA normals · nearest station |
| Winter low | 32°F | 35°F | 34°F 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 2.7%, 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 3.3%, 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 if you are optimizing for higher local incomes and can absorb the 11-point housing-index gap. Open each full city profile for neighborhood lists, sources, and the interactive compare tool.