Boston, Massachusetts, and Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee, are two vibrant cities that offer a unique blend of classic heritage and modern amenities. Boston, often referred to as the "Cradle of Liberty,” boasts a rich history alongside a bustling and innovative economic scene. In contrast, Nashville, the "Music City," is recognized for its legendary country music scene yet retains a laid-back southern charm. The comparison between these two cities extends from their cultural differences, education opportunities, and economic profiles to their geographical conditions and healthcare systems.
Distance between
Boston, MA and
Nashville-Davidson, TN : 938.7 miles
Nashville-Davidson's population is larger by 4%. Its population has grown by 133,327 people (24.4%) since 2000. The population of Boston has grown by 65,635 people (11.1%) during that time.
In terms of crime and safety, both Boston and Nashville-Davidson have their challenges. Boston's crime rate is lower than the national average, although property crime is relatively high in some areas. On the other hand, Nashville-Davidson's overall crime rate is higher than the national average. Still, local law enforcement and community initiatives are actively working to reduce crime rates in both cities.
Cost of Living
When it comes to cost of living, Boston is notably more expensive than Nashville-Davidson. Housing, in particular, is more costly in Boston, although salaries are generally higher, which somewhat offsets these costs. Nashville-Davidson, with its lower cost of living, is known for its affordability, particularly for families and retirees.
Income Tax
Boston residents have a state income tax rate of 5%, whereas Tennessee does not have a state income tax, which can be an incentive for entrepreneurs and retirees to move to Nashville-Davidson.
Property Tax
In terms of property taxes, Bostonians pay a rate of about 1.13%, while in Nashville-Davidson, the rate is around 0.97%.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Boston is relatively low, at 6.25%. However, Nashville-Davidson has one of the highest sales tax rates in the U.S., at 9.75%.
Income
Type
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Estimated median household income
$79,283
$64,857
Estimated per capita income
$50,337
$42,268
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
143.8
90.9
If you make $50,000 in Nashville-Davidson, you will have to make $79,098 in Boston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Boston is located on the eastern seaboard, with the Atlantic Ocean shaping its geography and climate. It features a mix of urban and suburban landscapes, including beaches and parks. Nashville-Davidson, set in the heart of Tennessee, is surrounded by rolling hills and contains rich greenery.
Both Boston and Nashville-Davidson offer high-quality education options. Boston, home to renowned universities such as Harvard and MIT, is famed for its exceptional higher education. Nashville-Davidson is home to well-regarded institutions like Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University. Both cities boast strong public and private schools as well.
Boston's economy is diverse and innovative, with key sectors including technology, finance, healthcare, and education. Meanwhile, Nashville-Davidson's economy is rooted in music, healthcare, education, and growing tech industry. Both cities offer robust job markets, but median salaries tend to be higher in Boston.
Biggest Employers
Boston's biggest employers are Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Boston University. In Nashville-Davidson, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center and the Nissan North America occupy the top spots.
There were 53 building permits issued in Boston in 2012 (20 more than in 2011) compared to 3,932 building permits issued in Nashville-Davidson in 2012 (2854 more than in 2011).
In Boston (Suffolk County), 77.4% voted for Democrats and 20.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Nashville-Davidson (Davidson County), 58.5% voted for Democrats and 39.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
2020
80.6%
65.0%
17.5%
32.6%
1.9%
2.3%
2016
78.5%
60.1%
16.1%
34.1%
5.4%
5.7%
2012
77.4%
58.5%
20.8%
39.9%
1.8%
1.6%
2008
76.9%
60.0%
21.2%
39.0%
1.8%
1.0%
2004
75.9%
54.9%
22.8%
44.6%
1.3%
0.4%
2000
71.5%
57.9%
20.5%
40.4%
8.0%
1.7%
1996
73.0%
79.3%
19.9%
18.1%
7.0%
2.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
CATHOLIC CHURCH
46.1%
4.9%
12.4%
2.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.1%
8.9%
0.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
0.8%
2.4%
1.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.5%
4.7%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
1.1%
4.0%
1.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.6%
14.1%
6.9%
19.6%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.8%
0.7%
0.9%
Weather
Weather is one area where Boston and Nashville diverge significantly. Boston experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters, and mild to hot, at times humid, summers. Conversely, Nashville-Davidson possesses a more moderate climate with milder winters and hot, humid summers. Both cities boast beautiful falls, although Boston's autumn is especially famous for its vibrant foliage.
Weather and climate
Type
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Temperature - Average
50.6°F
58.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
75.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
23.1%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
46.3 in
49 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
88.3 in
17.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.4%
17.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.7%
59.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
23%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
65%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
42%
Wind speed - Average
12.5 mph
7.7 mph
Average climate in Boston, Massachusetts
Average climate in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Nashville-Davidson
Nashville-Davidson
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
2018
76
71
0.24
0.40
12.3
13.8
26.1
24.1
N/A
N/A
15.2
N/A
9.2
9.2
0.5
0.2
2017
83
70
0.26
0.38
12.5
14.4
26.4
26.8
N/A
N/A
15.3
N/A
8.9
8.7
0.6
0.1
2016
75
90
0.27
0.42
14.1
16.1
24.4
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
10.1
0.5
0.0
2015
81
68
0.30
0.43
15.7
15.5
23.4
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
10.8
0.8
0.1
2014
76
66
0.30
N/A
14.0
N/A
24.5
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
9.8
1.2
1.4
2013
86
62
0.30
N/A
13.5
N/A
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
9.7
1.3
N/A
2012
89
81
0.29
N/A
11.8
N/A
23.5
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5
11.0
1.4
2.3
2011
87
81
0.30
N/A
14.8
N/A
24.2
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.5
11.0
1.6
1.7
2010
92
80
0.26
N/A
13.8
N/A
25.0
24.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
12.2
2.3
2.2
2009
86
72
0.32
N/A
15.3
N/A
23.5
22.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
11.5
2.4
2.4
2008
96
81
0.26
N/A
16.6
N/A
22.9
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
13.4
3.8
2.5
2007
124
99
0.28
N/A
18.5
N/A
19.9
27.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
15.5
4.0
2.7
2006
103
93
0.38
0.69
15.8
N/A
20.9
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.5
14.9
3.5
2.9
2005
115
104
0.28
0.56
17.0
N/A
22.1
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.7
16.9
4.3
3.1
2004
104
83
0.26
0.61
15.6
N/A
22.5
22.0
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.7
N/A
4.6
2.6
2003
116
93
0.55
0.67
20.1
N/A
22.4
18.5
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
15.8
5.2
3.8
2002
130
92
0.35
0.67
19.8
N/A
21.8
20.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.5
15.3
5.0
4.3
2001
112
95
0.44
0.89
19.9
N/A
20.7
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
15.6
5.9
4.5
2000
88
97
0.57
0.74
18.8
N/A
19.2
19.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
5.6
4.1
Natural disasters
Type
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
55.3%
169.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
26.6%
296.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
33%
17%
Transportation
Boston boasts an extensive public transportation system, with subways, buses, and commuter trains, making it relatively easy to get around without a car. In contrast, Nashville-Davidson is more car-dependent, although efforts are being made to enhance public transportation options.
Transport
Type
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Amtrak stations
3
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
224
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Bicycle
1.7%
0.3%
Bus
7.1%
1.2%
Carpooled
6.8%
9.8%
Car alone
54.7%
85.5%
Ferryboat
0.2%
0%
Railroad
0.5%
0%
Streetcar
13.5%
0%
Subway
3.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.4%
0.1%
Walked
10%
1.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Average
38.6 min
31.3 min
Other means
26.1 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
38.6 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.1%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.5%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Boston's real estate market is more expensive compared to Nashville-Davidson. Boston has a broad range of properties, including brownstones and luxury high-rises. Nashville-Davidson's market is more balanced, with single-family homes and modern condos and a relatively affordable range of prices.
Neighborhoods
Both cities rank high in terms of their unique neighborhoods. Boston offers a multitude of diverse neighborhoods, each with its distinctive character and charm. Nashville-Davidson has a mix of urban and suburban communities, with distinct personalities expressed in their music, food, and local culture.
Houses and residents
Type
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
Houses
307,025
331,262
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Median year apartment built
1957
1986
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.6 years
12.2 years
Houses occupied
271,941 (88.6%)
305,247 (92.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
94,497 (34.7%)
162,426 (53.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
177,444 (65.3%)
142,821 (46.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,632
$1,391
Median monthly housing costs
$1,883
$1,291
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,040,328
$221,129
Estimated median house or condo value
$659,700
$346,700
Median numbers of rooms
4.3
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.4
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$683,896
$437,686
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$639,493
$320,904
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$745,440
$319,119
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$986,433
$305,249
Median house price - mobile homes
$117,668
$133,346
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$328,258
Median house price - All housing units
$793,380
$412,434
Median house age
73
35
Renting percentage
66.1%
44.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
6,340.1
699.9
House value disparities
23.5%
31%
Household income disparities
48.2%
45.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,364
$93,092
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,179
$68,871
Housing units without a mortgage
1,250 (1.8%)
3,189 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,686 (11.2%)
10,988 (9.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
67,144 (98.2%)
110,850 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
218 (0.3%)
333 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,540 (13.9%)
13,192 (11.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.4%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
One, detached
12.0%
50.9%
One, attached
6.4%
8.4%
Two
11.9%
3.3%
3 or 4
24.1%
3.1%
5 to 9
11.2%
7.1%
10 to 19
7.2%
8.7%
20 to 49
8.0%
5.3%
50 or more
19.0%
11.9%
Mobile homes
0.1%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
11,605
31,952
State government workers
12,810
15,693
Unpaid family workers
303
463
Industries and Occupations
In Boston, major industries are healthcare, education, finance, and tech. Nashville-Davidson is renowned for its music industry but also has robust healthcare, education, and an emerging tech sector.
Both cities have exemplary healthcare facilities. Boston is globally recognized for its hospitals, including Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women's. Nashville-Davidson is known for its exceptional healthcare, with facilities like the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Boston, being an older city, has a well-developed infrastructure with a mix of historic and modern architecture. Nashville-Davidson also offers modern infrastructure but with more recent development evident due to its population growth.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Boston
Nashville-Davidson
1999
1,237
2,397
2000
1,140
1,451
2001
947
1,130
2002
975
1,075
2003
1,536
2,231
2004
2,273
2,731
2005
3,225
3,231
2006
3,567
3,720
2007
2,652
2,419
2008
1,372
952
2009
910
532
Culture and Food
Boston's deep-rooted history and diverse population have crafted a rich cultural scene and food landscape ranging from New England seafood to global fare. Nashville-Davidson also offers a vibrant cultural scene rooted in country music, complemented by a unique southern cuisine, renowned for its barbecue and hot chicken.
Sports Teams
Boston is known for its fervent sports culture, with teams like the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics holding a special place in residents' hearts. Nashville-Davidson has a solid sports presence with the Titans in football and Predators in ice hockey and a passionate fanbase.
Boston, MA and 
Nashville-Davidson, TN : 938.7 miles
Boston, MA and 
Nashville-Davidson, TN : 938.7 miles
