Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Des Plaines, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 4.0% more expensive than Des Plaines, IL. This translates to spending an extra $299 per month.

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN to live like I do in Des Plaines, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Des Plaines, IL, you'd need approximately $153,593.608 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Des Plaines, IL and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 4.8% more expensive than in Des Plaines, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,472/month in Des Plaines, IL.

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

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $299 more per month than Des Plaines, IL, or $3594 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Des Plaines, IL vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Des Plaines, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Des Plaines, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $299/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.6K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$299

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.6K

Per year

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

Des Plaines, IL

Population:58K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$310K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$489K

Des Plaines, IL

The Prairie State

58K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 58K 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: Des Plaines, IL vs Nashville, TN

Category	Des Plaines, IL	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,610/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $331more	20.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,539/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $255less	16.6%
🏠Housing	$2,529/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $122more	4.8%
🏥Healthcare	$569/mo	$607/mo	↑ $37.85more	6.6%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$949/mo	↓ $35.89less	3.6%
⚡All Utilities	$497/mo	$519/mo	↑ $22.22more	4.5%

📦Other

↑ 20.6%

Des Plaines, IL

$1,610

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$331

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.6%

Des Plaines, IL

$1,539

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$255

less

🏠Housing

↑ 4.8%

Des Plaines, IL

$2,529

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$122

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.6%

Des Plaines, IL

$569

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$37.85

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.6%

Des Plaines, IL

$985

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$35.89

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.5%

Des Plaines, IL

$497

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$22.22

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,223

To$1,600

↑ $377

1 Bed

From$1,308

To$1,680

↑ $372

2 Bed

From$1,472

To$1,840

↑ $368

3 Bed

From$1,892

To$2,350

↑ $458

Des Plaines, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,680–$1,680/mo

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.

$7,730

Monthly in Des Plaines, IL

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$222

Difference

Home Values

Des Plaines

Nashville

$310K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +4.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +33.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$310K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 58% more expensive than Des Plaines

Calculate payment - Des Plaines 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

Des Plaines, 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

Des Plaines, 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.