Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 5.0% more expensive than Nashville, TN. This translates to spending an extra $371 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $154,456.311 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 15.7% more expensive than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

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

Living in Chicago, IL costs approximately $371 more per month than Nashville, TN, or $4456 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Nashville, TN

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $371/month more in Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.5K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$371

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.5K

Per year

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$489K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$305K

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

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Nashville, TN vs Chicago, IL

Category	Nashville, TN	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$3,066/mo	↑ $416more	15.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $396more	30.9%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $184less	9.5%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $79.94more	8.4%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$595/mo	↓ $12.39less	2.0%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$519/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 15.7%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$416

🚗Transportation

↑ 30.9%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$396

📦Other

↓ 9.5%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$184

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.4%

Nashville, TN

$949

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$79.94

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.0%

Nashville, TN

$607

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$12.39

less

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Nashville, TN

$519

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,600

→ $0

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,710

↑ $30.00

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,925

↑ $85.00

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$2,480

↑ $130

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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.

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$695

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Chicago

$489K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 38% less expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville Calculate payment - Chicago

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$619

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

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

Chicago, 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

Additional Tax Information

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 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.