Tennessee vs Illinois: Rent Comparison 2026
Side-by-side comparison of fair market rents, income, and tenant protections between Tennessee and Illinois.
Tennessee is 17% cheaper for a 2-bedroom rental than Illinois, saving renters approximately $201/mo ($2,412/year).
| Metric | Tennessee | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1BR Rent | $800/mo | $948/mo |
| Average 2BR Rent | $964/mo | $1,165/mo |
| Median Income | $52,876 | $66,429 |
| Renter % | 37.9% | 33.1% |
| Tenant Rights | 3/10 | 7/10 |
Rent Burden Comparison
Tennessee
2BR Rent: $964/mo of $52,876/yr income
21.9% of income
Illinois
2BR Rent: $1,165/mo of $66,429/yr income
21.0% of income
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee or Illinois cheaper to rent in?
Tennessee has lower average rents. A 2-bedroom averages $964/mo, which is $201 less per month than Illinois (17% cheaper).
Which state has better tenant protections, Tennessee or Illinois?
Illinois has stronger tenant rights with a score of 7/10 compared to 3/10.
What is the income difference between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee median income: $52,876. Illinois median income: $66,429. Difference: $13,553/year.