Chicago, IL vs Nashville, TN: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Nashville, TN. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Chicago, IL
IL
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 108.4
- Housing RPP
- 120.6
- Goods RPP
- 103.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,650/mo
Illinois flat income tax 4.95%. Chicago city tax adds ~2.25% effective burden.
Nashville, TN
TN
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 99.8
- Housing RPP
- 105.6
- Goods RPP
- 98.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,580/mo
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages.
Equivalent salary
Nashville, TN is cheaper than Chicago, IL by about 7.9% (RPP 108.4 to 99.8).
$60,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $55,240
in Nashville, TN
$100,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $92,066
in Nashville, TN
$150,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $138,100
in Nashville, TN
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Nashville, TN cheaper or more expensive than Chicago, IL?
- Nashville, TN (RPP 99.8) is cheaper than Chicago, IL (RPP 108.4) by about 7.9%.
- What salary do I need in Nashville, TN if I earn $100,000 in Chicago, IL?
- You would need approximately $92,066 in Nashville, TN to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Chicago, IL. Formula: $100,000 x (99.8 / 108.4).