Is Brentwood, TN Expensive? Nashville’s Nik Breaks Down the Cost of Living

by Nik Shewmaker

Is Brentwood, Tennessee expensive?
Yes — Brentwood is one of the most affluent suburbs in the Nashville area, but its cost reflects exceptional quality of life, top schools, and long-term value stability.

As of 2025, the cost of living in Brentwood is approximately 48% higher than the national average, driven primarily by housing. Still, for many relocating professionals, families, and retirees, Brentwood offers more home, land, and safety per dollar than major metro markets nationwide.

Let’s take a closer look at what that really means.

🏡 1. Housing Costs

Housing is the main factor that pushes Brentwood above average. The market is dominated by large single-family homes on spacious lots, with luxury new builds and gated communities commanding premium pricing.

Category	Brentwood (2025)	U.S. Average	Nashville Metro
Median Home Price	$1.35M	$416K	$535K
Avg. Price/Sq Ft	$330	$232	$270
Avg. Monthly Rent	$3,800	$1,950	$2,450

Homes under $1M are rare, and most Brentwood listings fall between $1.1M and $2.5M, especially in desirable neighborhoods like Taramore, Annandale, and Hampton Reserve.

But here’s the tradeoff: you’re also buying into exceptional schools, low crime, and unmatched resale value.

🧾 2. Property Taxes

Tennessee has no state income tax, but property taxes vary by county.

Williamson County (Brentwood): ~$2.00 per $100 of assessed value
Average Annual Property Tax (Brentwood): $6,000–$9,000 per year for a $1M home

Compared to high-tax states like California, Illinois, or New York, Brentwood residents often save $20K–$40K annually in state income tax — easily offsetting property costs.

⚡ 3. Utilities & Services

Utilities in Brentwood align with national averages, though larger homes naturally increase total usage.

Expense Type	Avg. Monthly Cost
Electricity & Gas	$250–$400
Water & Sewer	$70–$120
Internet	$75–$100
Trash & Recycling	$25–$40

Tip from Nashville’s Nik: newer builds in neighborhoods like Witherspoon and Taramore tend to have more energy-efficient systems, lowering monthly costs by 10–15%.

🚗 4. Transportation

Brentwood’s layout prioritizes convenience, and while public transit is minimal, most residents find driving easy and predictable.

Expense	Brentwood	U.S. Average
Average Commute	23 minutes	26 minutes
Gas Price (2025 est.)	$3.20/gallon	$3.40/gallon
Auto Insurance	$1,450/year	$1,600/year

Even though Brentwood is a car-dependent suburb, you’ll spend less time commuting and less on maintenance compared to larger urban centers.

🥗 5. Groceries & Dining

Grocery and dining prices in Brentwood are around 10–12% higher than the national average, mostly due to upscale retailers and high-quality local restaurants.

Average costs (2025):

Milk (1 gallon): $4.70
Dozen eggs: $3.40
Bread: $3.85
Restaurant dinner for two: $90–$120
Coffee: $5–$6

However, the variety is excellent — from Whole Foods and Fresh Market to locally owned favorites like Mere Bulles and Amerigo.

🏫 6. Education

Public schools are included in property taxes, but some families choose private or specialty schools.

Type	Estimated Annual Cost
Public Schools (Williamson County)	Included
Private Day School	$12,000–$20,000
Brentwood Academy	$27,000–$32,000

Private enrollment remains optional — the public system ranks among Tennessee’s best, saving many families substantial tuition costs compared to other states.

🧘 7. Healthcare & Wellness

Williamson County’s healthcare costs are roughly 5% below national averages, thanks to local hospital networks and employer coverage.

Average monthly healthcare premium (family plan): ~$500–$650
Local hospitals include TriStar Centennial, Vanderbilt Health, and Williamson Medical Center, all within 15–25 minutes.

🛍️ 8. Shopping, Leisure & Lifestyle

Lifestyle expenses can vary, but Brentwood residents often enjoy amenities that balance luxury with value.

Typical monthly discretionary budget:

Category	Average Range
Fitness & Recreation	$100–$250
Restaurants & Entertainment	$200–$400
Home Maintenance	$300–$600

Brentwood’s parks, walking trails, and community events (like the Summer Concert Series at Crockett Park) provide affordable, high-quality recreation.

📊 Cost-of-Living Index Summary (2025)

Category	Brentwood Index	U.S. Average = 100
Housing	195	100
Groceries	112	100
Transportation	96	100
Utilities	101	100
Healthcare	95	100
Overall	148	100

Brentwood’s higher costs are largely confined to real estate — daily living expenses are manageable and often offset by higher incomes and tax savings.

💬 Final Thoughts from Nashville’s Nik

Brentwood isn’t cheap — but it’s worth every dollar.

When you factor in safety, schools, and long-term appreciation, the cost becomes an investment in quality of life. Whether you’re moving from out of state or comparing nearby suburbs, Brentwood offers the rare balance of luxury, logic, and lifestyle.

If you’d like a personalized cost breakdown or want to explore homes that fit your budget, I’d be happy to help you navigate every number with clarity.

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