Cost of Living in Brentwood, TN

With a cost of living index of 186, Brentwood, TN is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 86% more expensive than the national average and 105% above the Tennessee state average of 80. With a population of 45,272, Brentwood is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Brentwood's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,497 (89% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $926,700 (204% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Brentwood is $184,720, which is 146% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Everyday prices in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.