Is Brentwood, TN Expensive? Nashville’s Nik Breaks Down the Real Costs of Living Well

by Nik Shewmaker

Is Brentwood, Tennessee expensive?
Yes — but it’s also one of the best values in the South. While Brentwood’s cost of living is about 48% above the U.S. average, its quality of life, safety, schools, and property appreciation make it a top choice for families and professionals.

As someone who helps clients relocate here every year, I can tell you: Brentwood isn’t “expensive” — it’s exclusive.

🏠 1. Housing Costs: The Primary Factor

Brentwood’s real estate market drives most of its higher costs.

Location	Median Home Price (2025)	Avg. Price/Sq. Ft.	5-Year Appreciation
Brentwood	$1.35M	$330	+5.1%
Franklin	$995K	$295	+5.4%
Nashville	$460K	$255	+4.2%
Mount Juliet	$625K	$245	+4.0%

Brentwood homes are typically custom-built estates on large lots, many within gated or amenity-rich communities.

Average Rent (2025):

1BR Apartment: ~$2,200/month
3BR Home: ~$3,000–$3,500/month

“You’re not paying for square footage — you’re investing in location, schools, and lifestyle stability.” — Nashville’s Nik

💵 2. Property Taxes & Income

Tennessee’s no state income tax policy is one of the biggest financial perks of living in Brentwood.

Category	Tennessee	National Avg.
State Income Tax	0%	4–7%
Social Security Tax	0%	Varies by state
Property Tax Rate (per $100 assessed)	~$2.00	~$1.10
Sales Tax	9.75%	6–8%

While property taxes are slightly higher than average, zero income tax offsets that — especially for retirees, business owners, and high earners.

Example:
A household earning $250,000 in Illinois (4.95% tax) saves about $12,000+ per year after moving to Tennessee.

💡 3. Utilities & Home Maintenance

Despite its affluence, Brentwood’s utility and maintenance costs are moderate.

Service	Average Monthly Cost
Electricity	$145
Natural Gas	$75
Water & Sewer	$60
Internet	$85
Trash	$25

Newer construction, energy-efficient appliances, and mild winters keep utility costs below the national average.

🛒 4. Groceries & Dining

Brentwood has a mix of premium and standard grocery options, making this category fairly balanced.

Item	Brentwood Avg.	National Avg.
Milk (1 gallon)	$3.80	$3.60
Bread (loaf)	$2.90	$2.75
Eggs (dozen)	$3.20	$3.10
Restaurant Dinner for Two	$80	$70

Families enjoy options like Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Publix, and Costco, plus local restaurants ranging from Mere Bulles to Wild Iris.

Dining tends to cost 10–15% more than in Nashville — but it’s offset by convenience and atmosphere.

🚗 5. Transportation

With an average commute of 24 minutes, Brentwood offers convenience without urban congestion.

Expense	Brentwood	National Avg.
Gas (per gallon, 2025)	$3.45	$3.40
Auto Insurance	$1,250/year	$1,430/year
Commute Time	24 mins	28 mins

Public transportation is limited, but proximity to I-65 and Nashville International Airport (25 minutes) makes travel easy.

🏥 6. Healthcare

Healthcare costs are slightly below the national average, with exceptional access to hospitals and specialists nearby.

Top Local Providers:

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Williamson Medical Center
Ascension Saint Thomas
TriStar Health

Average costs:

Primary Care Visit: $125
Specialist: $190
Dental Cleaning: $110

Families appreciate the abundance of pediatric and specialty practices within 10 miles.

🏬 7. Everyday Living & Lifestyle

Brentwood’s upscale nature comes with convenience and comfort.

Monthly Lifestyle Costs (Family of Four):

Category	Monthly Average
Groceries	$900–$1,100
Dining Out	$400–$600
Entertainment	$300
Childcare	$1,200–$1,800
Fitness/Clubs	$150–$400

Residents enjoy amenities like:

Hill Center Brentwood: shopping, dining, and boutiques
Brentwood Country Club: golf, tennis, and social events
Crockett Park: concerts, sports, and trails

📊 8. Brentwood vs. Nearby Cities

City	Overall Cost Index (U.S.=100)	Median Home Price	Top Schools?	Commute to Nashville
Brentwood	148	$1.35M	✅	20–25 mins
Franklin	133	$995K	✅	30 mins
Mount Juliet	112	$625K	⚪️	35 mins
Hendersonville	108	$580K	⚪️	35 mins
Murfreesboro	105	$495K	⚪️	40 mins
Nashville (Metro)	120	$460K	⚪️	N/A

Brentwood ranks highest for cost, but it also leads in school quality, safety, and resale stability — making it a smart long-term investment.

💬 Final Thoughts from Nashville’s Nik

Brentwood may be one of Tennessee’s pricier cities, but every dollar stretches further here — in education, safety, and lifestyle quality.

It’s not about living large — it’s about living well.

If you’re considering moving to Brentwood, Tennessee, I can help you compare neighborhoods, find the best home values, and make the transition seamless.

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