Nashville vs Chicago

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Chicago is roughly 23% more affordable than Nashville (index 75 vs 97, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Chicago
More affordable overall
23% cheaper than Nashville · Cost index: 75 vs 97

Head-to-Head Stats

NashvillevsChicago
97Cost Index75✓
4,583Median Income /mo6,250✓
42Safety Index52✓
0✓Income Tax %28
90Internet (Mbps)940✓
250✓Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

NashvilleCategoryChicago
$1,700/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
28% cheaper →
$2,368/month
$1.09/liter
Meal for One
15% cheaper →
$1.28/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$18/meal
$65/month
Monthly Transit Pass
13% cheaper →
$75/month
$140/month
Utilities (Monthly)
23% cheaper →
$182/month
$100/visit
Doctor Visit
33% cheaper →
$150/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Nashville

Internet90 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Chicago

Internet940 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville cheaper than Chicago?

Chicago is cheaper than Nashville. Chicago has a cost of living index of 75/100 compared to 97/100 for Nashville, making it roughly 23% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Chicago than Nashville?

Chicago is approximately 23% cheaper than Nashville based on cost index scores (75 vs 97, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Nashville could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,320/month in Chicago.

What is the rent comparison between Nashville and Chicago?

In Nashville, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,700/month. In Chicago, the equivalent is around $2,368/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Nashville or Chicago?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Nashville offers 90 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Chicago offers 940 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Chicago has a cost advantage of 23%.

What is the average income in Nashville vs Chicago?

The median net monthly salary in Nashville is approximately $4,583 USD, compared to $6,250 USD in Chicago.

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