Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,885 in District of Columbia versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Tennessee runs roughly 39% cheaper on rent than District of Columbia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $106,287 in District of Columbia and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 41% higher in District of Columbia. District of Columbia has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6% state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
District of Columbia vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in District of Columbia or Tennessee?
- Tennessee is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,142 runs about 39% below District of Columbia's $1,885, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in District of Columbia than in Tennessee?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $75,000 a year in District of Columbia versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, District of Columbia or Tennessee?
- District of Columbia has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6% state sales tax. Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/2 cities we track in District of Columbia/Tennessee — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.