What Is the Cost of Living in Brentwood, TN? Nashville’s Nik Breaks Down Real Numbers

by Nik Shewmaker

💵 What Is the Cost of Living in Brentwood, TN? Nashville’s Nik Breaks Down Real Numbers

What is the cost of living in Brentwood, Tennessee?
Brentwood is one of the most desirable — and most upscale — suburbs of Nashville. The cost of living is roughly 48% higher than the national average, driven primarily by housing, but offset by Tennessee’s zero state income tax and affordable utilities.

If you’re moving to Brentwood, TN, this guide breaks down exactly what to expect — from home prices to grocery bills — with real 2025 numbers and local context from a Realtor who knows this market inside and out.

🧭 Overview: Cost of Living Index

Category	Brentwood	National Average (100)
Overall Cost of Living	148	100
Housing	220	100
Utilities	93	100
Groceries	105	100
Transportation	107	100
Healthcare	98	100
Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment)	110	100

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, BestPlaces, Williamson County Data 2025)

Brentwood’s elevated index reflects its luxury home market and premier school district, while nearly every other cost category remains at or below national averages.

🏠 Housing Costs

Housing is the largest expense for Brentwood residents and the main factor driving its overall cost of living.

Metric (2025)	Brentwood	Franklin	Nashville Metro
Median Home Price	$1.35M	$995K	$460K
Average Rent (3BR)	$3,000/month	$2,400/month	$1,950/month
Average Price/Sq. Ft.	$330	$295	$255

Brentwood homes range from executive-style residences to luxury estates, with large lots and premium construction. However, buyers often find these prices justified by the city’s top-tier schools, low crime, and resale stability.

“You’re not just paying for a home — you’re buying into peace, privacy, and one of the most stable zip codes in Tennessee.” — Nashville’s Nik

🧾 Property Taxes

Tennessee offers no state income tax, but property taxes help fund local schools and infrastructure.

Location	Property Tax Rate (per $100 assessed)
Brentwood (Williamson County)	~$2.00
Franklin	~$2.10
Nashville (Davidson County)	~$3.25

Even though Brentwood homes are higher in value, the low rate keeps annual taxes manageable compared to other affluent U.S. cities.

Example:
A $1.35M Brentwood home with 25% assessed value would pay roughly $6,750/year in property taxes.

💡 Utilities

Brentwood’s utilities are below national averages, thanks to mild winters and modern infrastructure.

Service	Average Monthly Cost
Electricity	$145
Natural Gas	$75
Water & Sewer	$60
Internet (1 Gbps)	$85
Trash & Recycling	$25

Most homes have energy-efficient systems and newer construction, reducing seasonal costs.

“Our mild climate means you’re not overpaying for heat or AC — which helps offset other costs.” — Nashville’s Nik

🛒 Groceries & Dining

Food costs are only 5–10% above national averages.

Item	Brentwood Avg. Price	U.S. Avg. Price
Milk (1 gallon)	$3.80	$3.60
Bread (loaf)	$2.90	$2.75
Eggs (dozen)	$3.20	$3.10
Chicken Breast (1 lb)	$5.25	$4.90
Restaurant Dinner for Two	$80	$70

Brentwood has a mix of premium grocery options (Whole Foods, Fresh Market) and everyday retailers (Publix, Kroger). Dining tends to skew upscale, with locally owned favorites like Mere Bulles and Amerigo drawing steady crowds.

🚗 Transportation

Brentwood’s commute efficiency helps control costs despite slightly above-average vehicle expenses.

Category	Brentwood	National Avg.
Gasoline (per gallon, 2025 avg.)	$3.45	$3.40
Car Insurance	$1,250/year	$1,430/year
Commute Time	24 minutes	28 minutes

Public transit is limited, but proximity to Nashville keeps commuting convenient. Many residents work locally or remotely, minimizing gas and maintenance costs.

🏥 Healthcare

Healthcare costs in Brentwood are slightly below the national average, thanks to access to nearby world-class hospitals like Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Williamson Medical Center.

Service	Brentwood Avg. Cost	National Avg.
Primary Care Visit	$125	$130
Specialist Visit	$190	$200
Prescription (Generic)	$15	$16
Dental Cleaning	$110	$120

Retirees especially appreciate Brentwood’s high doctor-to-patient ratio and multiple urgent care centers within a 10-mile radius.

🎟️ Entertainment & Lifestyle

Brentwood residents enjoy plenty of free or low-cost recreation.

Typical Monthly Discretionary Spending:

Gym/Yoga Membership: $70
Golf Club Dues (optional): $250–$500
Dining & Entertainment: $300–$500
Local Events (concerts, sports): $75

The city maintains over 900 acres of parkland, community centers, and family programs — meaning much of your leisure time doesn’t require big spending.

🧮 Comparison to Other Tennessee Cities

City	Overall Index (U.S. Avg = 100)	Median Home Price	Commute to Nashville
Brentwood	148	$1.35M	20–25 min
Franklin	133	$995K	30 min
Mount Juliet	112	$625K	35 min
Murfreesboro	105	$495K	40 min
Nashville (Metro)	120	$460K	N/A

Brentwood leads in home values and household income, reflecting its exclusivity — but remains more affordable than comparable markets like Austin, TX, or Alpharetta, GA.

💬 Final Thoughts from Nashville’s Nik

Brentwood’s cost of living reflects its value — not just luxury homes, but peace of mind, excellent schools, and long-term security.

If you’re relocating and comparing areas, Brentwood delivers the lifestyle, investment stability, and convenience that make every dollar count.

📲 Call or text: (615) 585-0022
📧 Email: NashvillesNik@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: www.NashvillesNik.com