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Moving from Illinois to Tennessee

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

TN state flag
Moving to

Tennessee

Capital: Nashville

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 30°F · 207 sunny days

Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

Tennessee has an overall price level 91.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Illinois
100.0
Tennessee
91.9
Tennessee has 8.1% lower overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
Tennessee
79.1
Tennessee has 16% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Tennessee
98.0
Tennessee has 2.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Tennessee
98.8
Tennessee has 1.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Tennessee
15.1 ¢/kWh
Tennessee has 20% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Tennessee
98.4
Tennessee has 1.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
Tennessee
$332,600
Tennessee is 18% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Tennessee
$1,180/mo
Tennessee is 0.9% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 89°F · Winter low 30°F · 207 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
Tennessee
89°F
Tennessee is 4.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
Tennessee
30°F
Tennessee is 58% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
Tennessee
58°F
Tennessee is 11% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
Tennessee
207
Tennessee has 9.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
Tennessee
54 in
Tennessee is 34% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
Tennessee
50
Tennessee has 25% higher AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
Tennessee
5 in
Tennessee is 74% less annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisTennessee report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Tennessee than Illinois?

Tennessee's overall price level is roughly 91.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Illinois tops out at 4.95% income tax. Tennessee tops out at 0%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Tennessee?

Most Tennessee residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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