City Comparison · 2026
Chicago vs Nashville
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Chicago = $95k in Nashville
Metric
Chicago
Nashville
COL Index
1.38
✓1.31
1BR Monthly Rent
$2,000/mo
✓$1,900/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$2,600/mo
✓$2,400/mo
State Income Tax
IL
TN
$100k Take-Home
$73,786
✓$78,736
$100k Effective Rate
26.21%
✓21.26%
$100k Savings Potential
$49,786
✓$55,936
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Chicago IL | Nashville TN |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. | $50,248 $4,187/mo · 16.25% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. | $78,736 $6,561/mo · 21.26% eff. |
| $150,000 | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. | $113,278 $9,440/mo · 24.48% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Chicago has a cost-of-living index of 1.38 while Nashville is 1.31 (1.00 = US average). Nashville is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Chicago is $2,000/month vs $1,900/month in Nashville.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Nashville?
$100k in Chicago = $95k in Nashville. Cost of living in Nashville is lower by 5.1%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Chicago or Nashville?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,786 in IL (Chicago) and $78,736 in TN (Nashville). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $49,786 in Chicago vs $55,936 in Nashville.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideChicago vs New York City cost of livingChicago vs Los Angeles cost of livingChicago vs Houston cost of livingCost of living in ChicagoCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in ChicagoRegistered Nurse salary in ChicagoWhere does $100k rank nationally?