The High Cost of Living in Nashville

by Jennifer Smithfield

As of March 2022, the median price for a home in Nashville is $423,105 1 (an increase of 179%2). By April 2022, the average rent was $1802, which was a 19% increase from the previous year 1 and a 256% increase from 2000!2 ). According to the most recent data from 2009 to 2020, Nashville area utility prices were above the national average. Similarly, infant daycare in the state was also above the national average ($10,780 annually for Tennessee). Besides the raw costs, Nashville’s housing situation is further complicated by the combination of a massive influx of new residents (400,000 moved to the metro area in the last decade) and an inadequate public transportation system1 along with pandemicera restrictions on evictions ending July 2021. The situation is so bad that the Metro Action Commission’s fund for rental assistance ran out of money in just three months. 3

What does this mean for Project Connect Nashville?

We have an opportunity to help our struggling neighbors.

We’re taking our Poverty 101 class on the road this year!

Our desire is to support our ministry partners as they equip their people with the basic principles of helping without hurting. If you’re interested in hosting this class, please reach out to Angel@ProjectConnectNashville.org to learn more.

As much as we struggle to adapt with change (how many times have you complained about the price of eggs recently?), people living near or below the poverty line often do not have the resources and networks to absorb, not just an extreme increased cost of living, but any increased cost of living especially with rental costs. Any help starts with recognizing the problems then helping our neighbors adapt to something we all find shocking. Maybe our neighbors need some practical help with working through finances (Faith & Finances). Maybe they need reminders of God’s love and protection (Story of God). Maybe they need assistance in pursuing more stable employment (Work Life). Or maybe they just need the connection to a network of staff and volunteers who will love them and provide a meaningful set of resources—the best one being caring people.

Will you be one of those caring people in 2023?

Check out our website to find available volunteer opportunities!