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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Nashville is 22% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,486/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 15%
$75,197/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 17%
$383,100 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 34%
$1,471/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
684,298
Population
114,106

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
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $13,119/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Elgin — common questions

Is Nashville or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Elgin?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Elgin?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $13,119/year higher in Elgin.
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 Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Nashville and Elgin

Nashville vs. Oklahoma City Nashville vs. El Paso Nashville vs. Denver Nashville vs. Washington Nashville vs. Seattle Nashville vs. Boston Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont