Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Nashville, TN (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Nashville

Tennessee
110

Chicago is 9% cheaper than Nashville.

$1,380/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,486/mo ↑ 8%
$75,134/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$75,197/yr ≈ Same
$315,200 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$383,100 ↑ 22%
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,471/mo ↓ 2%
2,707,648
Population
684,298

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Nashville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $63/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $383,100 in Nashville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Nashville — common questions

Is Chicago or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Nashville?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Nashville it's $1,486/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Nashville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $75,197 in Nashville. Median household income is $63/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Tennessee?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Nashville?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Nashville has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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