Chicago vs Nashville: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Chicago's median home value is $304,500 — 13% lower than Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)'s $351,400.
Households earn a median $71,673 in Chicago, compared with $71,328 in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance).
Median rent is $1,314 in Chicago, compared with $1,392 in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance).
Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance) carries FEMA's Relatively High hazard rating, compared with Very High for Chicago.
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), TN |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,721,914 | 684,103 |
| Median home value | $304,500 | $351,400 |
| Median household income | $71,673 | $71,328 |
| Median gross rent | $1,314 | $1,392 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
Chicago, IL comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), TN, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.