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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Nashville is 93% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,486/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 36%
$75,197/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 29%
$383,100 ↑ 217%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 68%
$1,471/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 36%
684,298
Population
147,649

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $532/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,384/year.

Median household income is $21,869/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Rockford — common questions

Is Nashville or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Rockford?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $532/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Rockford?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $21,869/year higher in Nashville.
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 Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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