Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,978 in Massachusetts versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Tennessee runs roughly 42% cheaper on rent than Massachusetts, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $94,755 in Massachusetts and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 33% higher in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% 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)
Massachusetts vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or Tennessee?
- Tennessee is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,142 runs about 42% below Massachusetts's $1,978, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Massachusetts 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 $79,000 a year in Massachusetts versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Massachusetts or Tennessee?
- Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% 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 Massachusetts/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.