Brooklyn and Nashville both offer vibrant cultural scenes and growing job markets, but they cater to different lifestyles. Brooklyn, with its superior public transportation and walkability, is ideal for those who prefer city living and don't mind a high cost of living. Nashville, with its lower cost of living and focus on music and entertainment, is better suited for those who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle and don't mind relying on cars for transportation.
| Attribute | Brooklyn, New York | Nashville, Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Generally more expensive than the national average (61-72.5% higher). A single adult needs around $101,592 before taxes to live comfortably. Monthly expenses for a family of four are estimated at $5,654.6 (excluding rent), and for a single person, it's $1,531.4 (excluding rent). Average monthly rent is $3,477, and home prices average around $1,411,780. | Generally on par or slightly lower than the national average, but housing can be higher. A single adult needs around $58,152 before taxes to live comfortably. Monthly costs for a family of four are estimated at $4,411.9 (excluding rent), and for a single person, $1,233.3 (excluding rent). Housing expenses are around 1% higher than the national average. Average rent is around $1,827 per month. The average listing price for a home is approximately $518,488. |
| Crime Rate (Violent & Property) | Higher than the national average. Chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 154, and property crime is 1 in 47. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 4.6 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate was 7.6 per 1,000 residents. | Higher crime rate compared to the national average. You have a 1 in 89 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of property crime. |
| Public Transportation Options | World-class public transportation. Transit score of 100 (Rider's Paradise). Subway and bus lines are readily available. Routes are often hectic and crowded. | Buses (WeGo Public Transit), commuter rail (WeGo Star), rideshares, bike rentals, and electric scooters. The WeGo Star commuter rail runs between Lebanon and Downtown Nashville during rush hours on weekdays. |
| School Quality (Ratings & Test Scores) | Diverse array of schools with varying performance levels. Standout schools include Brooklyn Technical High School, Success Academy Charter School-Crown Heights, and The Emily Warren Roebling School. Disparities in graduation rates, test scores, and chronic absenteeism across schools. | Not available |
| Job Market (Growth & Opportunities) | Expanding job market, especially in technology, healthcare, financial services, and skilled trades. As of May 2024, Brooklyn added 5,961 private sector jobs. The unemployment rate was 5.2% in May 2024. | Experiencing significant growth. Around 36,400 jobs are expected to be created in 2025. Key industries include healthcare, technology, music/entertainment, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is below the national average. |
| Cultural Amenities (Museums, Theaters, Music Venues) | Blend of history and progressive culture. Key attractions include St. Ann's Warehouse, The Invisible Dog Art Center, Nitehawk Cinema, and the Brooklyn Museum. Other options include the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Brooklyn Children's Museum. Many music venues, theaters, and art galleries. | Vibrant cultural scene with many museums, theaters, and music venues. Downtown offers concert venues, intimate songwriter showcases, and honky-tonks. |
| Green Spaces (Parks & Recreation Areas) | Numerous parks and recreation areas. Popular options include Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Sunset Park, and Fort Greene Park. | Numerous parks and recreation areas, including Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Centennial Park. The 180-mile greenway system provides trails for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. |
| Walkability Score | Downtown Brooklyn has a Walk Score of 97 (Walker's Paradise). Bedford-Stuyvesant has a Walk Score of 94. | Average Walk Score of 29, indicating that most errands require a car. Some neighborhoods are more walkable, including East End, Watkins Park, and Hope Gardens. |
| Housing Market (Rent vs. Own, Appreciation Rates) | Housing costs are significantly higher than the national average. The average rent in Brooklyn is $2,895. The average listing price for a home is $1,422,001. Rentals range from $2,700 to $3,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Housing stock varies, with historic brownstones and revitalized neighborhoods. | Average rent is around $1,827 per month. The average listing price for a home is approximately $518,488. |
| Nightlife & Entertainment | Vibrant nightlife scene. Popular venues include House of Yes, Bossa Nova Civic Club, and Good Room. Many bars, clubs, and live music venues. | Lively nightlife, especially in the Lower Broadway area, with honky-tonks, rooftop bars, live music venues, and comedy clubs. |
| Diversity & Inclusion | Known for its diversity. Many neighborhoods maintain their ethnic personality. | Multicultural city with a mix of White, Black, and other racial groups. |
| Community Events & Festivals | Various community events and festivals. Examples include the Mermaid Parade and Smorgasburg in Prospect Park. | Various community events and festivals throughout the year, including the Nashville Earth Day Festival and Celebrate Nashville. |