House Hacking Investing in Nashville, TN

House Hack Score: 4.0/10Ranked #39 of 52 markets

Data-driven house hacking analysis for Nashville, TN — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

House Hack Score:4.0
Affordable Entry Price(30%)
$400,0003.6
Rent-to-Price Ratio(25%)
0.45%1.9
Low Vacancy(20%)
8.8%4.0
Population Growth(15%)
+10.0%7.0
Livability (Income)(10%)
$75,6645.7

Key Metrics for House Hacking

Median Price

$400,000

FHA 3.5% down: $14,000

Median Rent

$1,800/mo

Per-unit rental income

Vacancy Rate

8.8%

Elevated

Pop. Growth

+10.0%

5-year trend

House Hacking Investment Thesis

Nashville has transitioned from cash-flow market to appreciation play as prices have surged. No state income tax and strong population growth support long-term returns, but cap rates have compressed.

How Nashville Compares

RankCityHouse Hack ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#36Richmond, VA4.16.2%$280,000
#37Philadelphia, PA4.15.6%$240,000
#38St. Louis, MO4.07.4%$165,000
#39Nashville, TN4.05.2%$400,000
#40Baltimore, MD3.96.5%$180,000
#41Las Vegas, NV3.84.8%$380,000
#42Savannah, GA3.75.9%$275,000

Showing markets ranked near Nashville for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($1,800/mo)$21,600
Less: Vacancy (8.8%)-$1,901
Less: Property Tax (0.66%)-$2,640
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$2,000
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$6,000
Estimated NOI$9,059
Implied Cap Rate2.3%

Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the house hack score for Nashville, TN?

Nashville, TN scores 4.0 out of 10 on our house hack score, ranking #39 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: affordable entry price (30%), rent-to-price ratio (25%), low vacancy (20%), population growth (15%), livability/income (10%). Scale 0–10.

Is Nashville a good city for house hacking investing?

Nashville, TN ranks #39 for house hacking investing with a score of 4.0/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.

What is the average cap rate in Nashville?

The average cap rate in Nashville, TN is 5.2%. The median home price is $400,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,800, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.45%.

What are the property taxes in Nashville?

The effective property tax rate in Nashville, TN is 0.66%. On a $400,000 property, that translates to approximately $2,640 per year in property taxes.

How does Nashville compare to other house hacking markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Nashville, TN ranks #39 for house hacking investing. Other markets may be stronger for this particular strategy, though it may excel in different approaches.

Can I FHA-finance a house hack in Nashville?

With a median home price of $400,000, most 2-4 unit properties in Nashville, TN should fall within FHA loan limits. An FHA loan with 3.5% down would require approximately $14,000 as a down payment. Rental income from additional units (median $1,800/month each) can significantly offset your mortgage payment.

Run Your Own Numbers for Nashville

Use our free calculators pre-filled with Nashville, TN market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.