Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Nashville, TN is 0.5% more expensive than Rockford, IL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $150,469.911 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Nashville, TN is 9.6% more expensive than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

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

Rockford, IL and Nashville, TN have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rockford, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in Rockford, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $39.16/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.5K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 0.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$39.16

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$470

Per year

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

Rockford, IL

Population:146K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$158K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$489K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 146K 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: Rockford, IL vs Nashville, TN

Category	Rockford, IL	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,419/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $231more	9.6%
📦Other	$1,748/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $194more	11.1%
🏥Healthcare	$710/mo	$607/mo	↓ $103less	14.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $88.97less	6.5%
⚡All Utilities	$502/mo	$519/mo	↑ $17.10more	3.4%
🛒Groceries	$948/mo	$949/mo	↑ $1.66more	0.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 9.6%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$231

📦Other

↑ 11.1%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$194

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.5%

Rockford, IL

$710

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$103

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.5%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$88.97

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.4%

Rockford, IL

$502

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$17.10

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.2%

Rockford, IL

$948

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$1.66

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$639

To$1,600

↑ $961

1 Bed

From$705

To$1,680

↑ $975

2 Bed

From$921

To$1,840

↑ $919

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$2,350

↑ $1,131

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/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.

$7,700

Monthly in Rockford, IL

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$252

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Nashville

$158K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 209% more expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford 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

Rockford, 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

Rockford, 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.