Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Naperville, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 1.7% more expensive than Naperville, IL. This translates to spending an extra $130 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Naperville, IL, you'd need approximately $151,556.231 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 2.5% more expensive than in Naperville, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,899/month in Naperville, IL.

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

Living in Nashville, TN costs approximately $130 more per month than Naperville, IL, or $1556 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Naperville, IL vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Naperville, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $130/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.6K in Nashville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$130

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

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

Naperville, IL

Population:150K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$593K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$489K

Naperville, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 150K 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: Naperville, IL vs Nashville, TN

Category	Naperville, IL	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,646/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $296more	18.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,574/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $290less	18.4%
🏠Housing	$2,585/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $65.76more	2.5%
🛒Groceries	$996/mo	$949/mo	↓ $46.79less	4.7%
🏥Healthcare	$576/mo	$607/mo	↑ $31.55more	5.5%
⚡All Utilities	$502/mo	$519/mo	↑ $16.72more	3.3%

📦Other

↑ 18.0%

Naperville, IL

$1,646

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$296

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.4%

Naperville, IL

$1,574

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$290

less

🏠Housing

↑ 2.5%

Naperville, IL

$2,585

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$65.76

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.7%

Naperville, IL

$996

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$46.79

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.5%

Naperville, IL

$576

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$31.55

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.3%

Naperville, IL

$502

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$16.72

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,576

To$1,600

↑ $24.00

1 Bed

From$1,684

To$1,680

↓ $4.00

2 Bed

From$1,899

To$1,840

↓ $59.00

3 Bed

From$2,444

To$2,350

↓ $94.00

Naperville, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,010–$2,370/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.

$7,879

Monthly in Naperville, IL

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$73.11

Difference

Home Values

Naperville

Nashville

$593K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +4.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +43.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$443K - $665K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 18% less expensive than Naperville

Calculate payment - Naperville 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

Naperville, 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

Naperville, 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.