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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Nashville is 10% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,486/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 3%
$75,197/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 20%
$383,100 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 32%
$1,471/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 8%
684,298
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,912/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Aurora — common questions

Is Nashville or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Aurora?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Aurora?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $14,912/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Nashville and Aurora

Nashville vs. Oklahoma City Nashville vs. El Paso Nashville vs. Denver Nashville vs. Washington Nashville vs. Seattle Nashville vs. Boston Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove