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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Nashville is 80% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,486/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 36%
$75,197/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 13%
$383,100 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 59%
$1,471/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 34%
684,298
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $9,660/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Springfield — common questions

Is Nashville or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Springfield?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Springfield?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $9,660/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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Nashville details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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