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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Chicago, IL

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

8.1% Chicago, IL is more expensive overall
2.8% 2.8% cheaper housing
9.5% 9.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 2.8% cheaper
Nashville
108
Chicago
105
🛒 Groceries 9.5% more
Nashville
95
Chicago
104
🚗 Transportation 15.2% more
Nashville
99
Chicago
114
🏥 Healthcare 10.8% more
Nashville
93
Chicago
103
⚡ Utilities 4.1% more
Nashville
97
Chicago
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Chicago, IL Difference
Overall Cost Index991078.1% more
Housing1081052.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,70023.2% more
Median Home Price$395,000$310,00021.5% less
Groceries951049.5% more
Transportation9911415.2% more
Healthcare9310310.8% more
Utilities971014.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Chicago, IL
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.95%
State Sales Tax7.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.95%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Chicago costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Chicago to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Chicago (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Chicago4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Chicago2.1%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Chicago35 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Chicago78
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Chicago44
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Chicago50°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Chicago2,665,039

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville and Chicago → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Chicago →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Chicago cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 2.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Chicago?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,700/month in Chicago — a difference of about $320 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Chicago?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Nashville to Chicago?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $74,000 in Chicago. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Nashville vs Chicago?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $310,000 in Chicago — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Illinois averages 1.95%.