Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

United States

United States
Based on our comparison, Nashville wins 7 out of 8 categories.Chicago wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Chicago and Nashville, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Nashville
$2,741/mo
Best Internet
Chicago
220 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Nashville
5.8/10
Our Recommendation: Nashville is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Chicago and Nashville for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Nashville is the more budget-friendly option at $2,741/month versus Chicago's $3,310/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Chicago leads with 220 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Nashville offers 200 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.1/10, Nashville offers better security than Chicago (3.4/10).
Overall: Nashville's NomadIQ score of 5.8/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Nashville is 17% cheaper than Chicago.
Nashville has a higher safety score (5.1/10) compared to Chicago (3.4/10).
3.4/10
Chicago
5.1/10
Nashville
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Chicago offers faster internet at 220 Mbps vs 200 Mbps.
220 Mbps
Chicago
200 Mbps
Nashville
Based on our analysis, Nashville edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.
Chicago: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Nashville: Best for budget-conscious expats
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