Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,019 in Louisiana versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Louisiana runs roughly 11% cheaper on rent than Tennessee, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,339 in Louisiana and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 12% higher in Tennessee. Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5%
7%
+2.0 pp in Tennessee
Income Tax (top rate)
3.00%
None
+3.0 pp in Louisiana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,019
$1,142
+12% in Tennessee
Median Home Value
$296,400
$270,100
+9% in Louisiana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,339
$63,204
+14% in Tennessee
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
70.6°F
61.3°F
+9.3°F in Louisiana
Louisiana vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Louisiana or Tennessee?
- Louisiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,019 runs about 11% below Tennessee's $1,142, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Louisiana 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 $41,000 a year in Louisiana versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Louisiana or Tennessee?
- Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% 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 Louisiana/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.