What Is the Cost of Living in Brentwood, TN? Nashville’s Nik Explains What to Expect

by Nik Shewmaker

What is the cost of living in Brentwood, Tennessee?
Brentwood’s cost of living is about 48% higher than the U.S. average, driven mainly by housing. However, residents say it’s worth it — thanks to top schools, safety, and quality of life that few suburbs can match.

If you’re relocating from a major metro like Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York, you’ll likely find Brentwood affordable luxury by comparison.

📊 Cost of Living Overview

Category	Brentwood Index	U.S. Average (100)
Overall	148	100
Housing	185	100
Utilities	97	100
Groceries	105	100
Transportation	98	100
Healthcare	93	100
Miscellaneous	110	100

(Source: BestPlaces, 2025 data)

“Brentwood’s cost of living is higher — but it’s driven by property value, not daily expenses. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare remain very manageable.” — Nashville’s Nik

🏠 Housing Costs

Housing is the largest factor in Brentwood’s cost of living.
The average home price sits around $1.2 million, with neighborhoods ranging from $700K in older communities to $5M+ in gated luxury estates.

Sample neighborhoods:

Neighborhood	Average Home Price	Style
Brookfield	$850K–$1.1M	Family-friendly, established
Annandale	$1.5M–$3M	Luxury, pool, clubhouse
The Governors Club	$2M–$5M	Gated golf estates
Witherspoon	$2M–$4M	New construction, 1-acre lots

Renters can expect $3,000–$4,500 per month for upscale single-family homes or newer townhomes.

🧾 Taxes and Utilities

Tennessee offers major savings for homeowners and retirees:

No state income tax on wages, pensions, or Social Security
Property tax: roughly $2.20 per $100 assessed value
Sales tax: 9.75% (state + local combined)

Utilities in Brentwood are reasonable, with an average monthly total around $170–$200 for a typical household.

🛒 Groceries and Everyday Costs

Groceries run slightly higher than the national average, especially at specialty stores like Whole Foods or Publix, but you’ll find competitive options like Kroger and Costco nearby.

Sample prices:

Item	Brentwood Avg.	U.S. Avg.
Gallon of milk	$4.10	$4.00
Loaf of bread	$3.60	$3.50
Gasoline (per gallon)	$3.20	$3.40

Most residents say the quality and convenience of local stores make up for the small difference.

🚗 Transportation

Most people in Brentwood drive — and the city’s infrastructure makes it easy.

Average commute:

To downtown Nashville: 20–25 minutes
To Cool Springs: 10–15 minutes
To BNA Airport: 25 minutes

Auto insurance averages $1,300–$1,600 per year, lower than most urban areas.

🩺 Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare costs are slightly below the national average — with world-class hospitals like Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Williamson Medical Center nearby.
Most Brentwood residents use private insurance or Medicare Advantage plans, which are competitively priced in the Nashville region.

🎭 Entertainment and Dining

While Brentwood leans residential, you’re only minutes from Nashville’s nightlife and Franklin’s boutique dining scene.

Expect:

Casual dining: $15–$25/person
Fine dining: $40–$70/person
Concerts/events: $30–$150+ depending on venue

Local favorites include Corky’s Ribs & BBQ, Mere Bulles, Ludlow & Prime, and Culaccino in nearby Franklin.

⚖️ The Trade-Off: Value vs. Price

Brentwood isn’t cheap — but it’s not overpriced for what you get.

You’re buying:
✅ Elite schools (Williamson County)
✅ Low crime and clean neighborhoods
✅ 10+ city parks and greenways
✅ Proximity to Nashville and Franklin
✅ Long-term property value stability

“Brentwood’s homes don’t just hold value — they outperform the market. It’s one of Middle Tennessee’s strongest long-term investments.” — Nashville’s Nik

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💬 Final Thoughts from Nashville’s Nik

Brentwood offers more than just beautiful homes — it provides peace of mind, stability, and exceptional value.

Whether you’re upgrading, relocating, or investing, Brentwood delivers on quality at every level.

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