Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A data analyst in Nashville earns roughly $108,823/yr (~$6,380/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,520/mo — that's 24% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
TN · 2026
Can a Data Analyst Afford to Live in Nashville?
Using local salary estimates and Nashville's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a data analyst in Nashville, TN in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$108,823/yr local estimate
$9,069
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
None state income tax
-$2,689
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$6,380
1BR rent
24% of take-home
-$1,520
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$160
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$355
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$3,995
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a data analyst in Nashville could save roughly $19,176/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 24% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 24% of take-home pay, a data analyst in Nashville is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
No state income tax in TN meaningfully helps. A data analyst earning $108,823/yr saves roughly $4,897/year compared to a 4.5% state income tax state — that's equivalent to one month of rent.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $108,823/yr — adjusted from the national Data Analyst median of $103,500/yr based on Nashville's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Nashville for a Data Analyst
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
East Nashville
Where locals actually live. Bungalows, independent coffee shops, no tourist buses. Best restaurant scene in the city. 1BRs $1,400–1,900/mo. The real Nashville.
12 South
Instagram Nashville. The murals, brunch spots, and boutiques are real. Rents carry a significant social-media premium — you're paying for the zip code more than the neighborhood quality.
Germantown
Pre-Civil War architecture, farm-to-table restaurants, walkable 10 minutes from downtown. Nashville's best architectural stock. Small area, limited inventory, commands a premium for good reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Data Analyst in Nashville?
A Data Analyst in Nashville earns approximately $108,823 per year, based on the national BLS median of $103,500/yr adjusted for Nashville's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Nashville affordable for a data analyst in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 24% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A data analyst can live comfortably in Nashville with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Data Analyst get in Nashville?
After federal taxes, no state income tax, and FICA, a Data Analyst earning $108,823/yr takes home roughly $6,380/month in Nashville.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Data Analyst in Nashville?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Nashville costs a median of $1,520/month. On a Data Analyst salary, that's 24% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.