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Is it better to rent or buy in Nashville? Here’s what a new study says
By Kassidy Brown at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 10, 2026
· 1 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A new study from Zumper shows Nashville ’s price-to-rent ratio falls in a “toss-up” range, meaning neither buying nor renting holds a clear financial advantage over the other.According to Zumper, the price-to-rent ratio is “a standard measure of whether a housing market f...
Key takeaway The formula to calculate it is: Price-to-Rent Ratio = Median Home Sale Price ÷ (Median Monthly Rent × 12).
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville's housing market has long been a topic of discussion, with rapid growth and development putting pressure on affordability. The latest study from Zumper adds nuance to this conversation, suggesting that neither buying nor renting holds a clear financial advantage. With a price-to-rent ratio of 17.952, Nashville falls into a gray area, where the decision to buy or rent depends on individual circumstances. This ambiguity has significant implications for the city's residents, particularly those who are weighing their options in a market where the monthly cost of owning is $720 higher than renting. As the city continues to attract new residents and businesses, the tension between affordability and growth will remain a pressing concern. The study's findings will likely resonate with many Nashvillians who are struggling to make sense of the city's complex housing landscape, and will inform the ongoing debate about how to balance development with affordability.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A new study from Zumper shows Nashville’s price-to-rent ratio falls in a “toss-up” range, meaning neither buying nor renting holds a clear financial advantage over the other.According to Zumper, the price-to-rent ratio is “a standard measure of whether a housing market f...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kassidy Brown at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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