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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Nashville is 25% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,486/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 25%
$75,197/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 101%
$383,100 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 33%
$1,471/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 47%
684,298
Population
149,424

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
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $75,740/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Naperville — common questions

Is Nashville or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Naperville?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Naperville?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $75,740/year higher in Naperville.
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 Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Nashville and Naperville

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