Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Arlington Heights, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 3.4% more expensive than Arlington Heights, IL. This translates to spending an extra $254 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Arlington Heights, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Arlington Heights, IL, you'd need approximately $153,042.079 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 4.2% more expensive than in Arlington Heights, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,371/month in Arlington Heights, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Arlington Heights, IL to Nashville, TN?

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $254 more per month than Arlington Heights, IL, or $3042 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arlington Heights, IL vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Arlington Heights, IL — COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area + state data

Current salary in Arlington Heights, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $254/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.0K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 3.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$254

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Arlington Heights, IL

Population:74K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$489K

Arlington Heights, IL

The Prairie State

74K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 74K residents.

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Arlington Heights, IL vs Nashville, TN

Category	Arlington Heights, IL	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,620/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $322more	19.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,549/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $265less	17.1%
🏠Housing	$2,544/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $107more	4.2%
🛒Groceries	$988/mo	$949/mo	↓ $38.81less	3.9%
🏥Healthcare	$571/mo	$607/mo	↑ $36.16more	6.3%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$519/mo	↑ $20.75more	4.2%

📦Other

↑ 19.9%

Arlington Heights, IL

$1,620

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$322

🚗Transportation

↓ 17.1%

Arlington Heights, IL

$1,549

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$265

less

🏠Housing

↑ 4.2%

Arlington Heights, IL

$2,544

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$107

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.9%

Arlington Heights, IL

$988

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$38.81

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.3%

Arlington Heights, IL

$571

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$36.16

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.2%

Arlington Heights, IL

$498

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$20.75

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$940

To$1,600

↑ $660

1 Bed

From$1,136

To$1,680

↑ $544

2 Bed

From$1,371

To$1,840

↑ $469

3 Bed

From$1,880

To$2,350

↑ $470

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,770

Monthly in Arlington Heights, IL

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$182

Difference

Home Values

Arlington Heights

Nashville

Median Value

$489K

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Calculate payment - Nashville

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$619

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Arlington Heights, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Arlington Heights, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.