Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Maine runs roughly 22% cheaper on rent than Tennessee, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 8% higher in Tennessee. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
7%
+1.5 pp in Tennessee
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
None
+7.2 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,142
+28% in Tennessee
Median Home Value
$214,200
$270,100
+26% in Tennessee
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$63,204
+9% in Tennessee
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
61.3°F
+15.5°F in Tennessee
Maine vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Tennessee?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 22% 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 Maine 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 $36,000 a year in Maine versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Tennessee?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/2 cities we track in Maine/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.