Getting a roommate is no longer something you do only in your 20s. Nearly half of Americans sharing a home with roommates are now Millennials or Gen Xers, for whom shared living has become a long-term affordability strategy rather than a temporary phase. Despite Tennessee being ranked the worst state to live in for quality of life in CNBC’s 2026 study, Nashville stands out as one of the best cities for roommate savings, ranking #9 nationally with average annual savings of $7,614 and 510 square feet per person according to the 2026 StorageCafe study.
Nashville continues to attract young professionals thanks to strong job growth, vibrant culture, and no state income tax. The city ranks highly for young professionals in multiple surveys, including #71 in Best Cities for Young Professionals (Niche 2026), top 10 metros for Millennials (CommercialCafe), and strong Gen Z renter growth (RentCafe 2026). It also ranked among the best cities for college graduate hiring in a recent ADP study.
Should you move to Nashville? That depends. Nashville has become increasingly crowded as people have fled the problems of blue-state politics only to try to bring them here. Here are a few things to note about Nashville and Tennessee: Why Tennessee is a Great Place to Live: Family Values, Christian Heritage, and Low Taxes Beat CNBC’s “Worst State” Ranking.
In 2026, getting a roommate remains one of the smartest financial moves for Millennials and Gen Xers facing high housing costs. Cities like Nashville prove that shared living can deliver substantial savings while providing good space, amenities, and community — making it a viable long-term strategy rather than a temporary fix. If you’re considering a roommate to stretch your budget, the data shows it can free up thousands of dollars a year for savings, experiences, or future homeownership.
For more info on where new renters are moving, read Part 2: Nashville Roommate Savings 2026: Why Shared Living is Moving to Music City Suburbs.
Related:
- Why Tennessee is a Great Place to Live: Family Values, Christian Heritage, and Low Taxes Beat CNBC’s “Worst State” Ranking
- Tennessee Statehood Day and America 250 Celebration Kicks Off at State Library & Archives (Photos)
- Nashville’s Christian Roots: Early History
- Nashville’s Christian Roots Today: Modern History
- Tennessee Designates June as Nuclear Family Month: Gov. Bill Lee Signs Historic Resolution Affirming Traditional Family Values
- Editorial: What Happened to Nashville? A Native’s Lament Over Lost Christian Roots and Rapid Change
Shared living definitely seems like a smart way to save money in Nashville. How do you find compatible roommates?
The best way I have found to find a compatible roommate in Nashville and other places I have lived is through church or activity groups where you can get to know someone before you commit to being roommates. Other than that: church bulletins, Facebook groups, classifieds, online postings, etc.