Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $841 in Mississippi versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Mississippi runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than Tennessee, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,140 in Mississippi and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 30% higher in Tennessee. Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7%
7%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
4.00%
None
+4.0 pp in Mississippi
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$841
$1,142
+36% in Tennessee
Median Home Value
$153,600
$270,100
+76% in Tennessee
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,140
$63,204
+43% in Tennessee
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
66.1°F
61.3°F
+4.8°F in Mississippi
Mississippi vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Mississippi or Tennessee?
- Mississippi is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $841 runs about 26% 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 Mississippi 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 $34,000 a year in Mississippi versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Mississippi or Tennessee?
- Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% 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 Mississippi/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.