Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $804 in North Dakota versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 30% cheaper on rent than Tennessee, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $66,029 in North Dakota and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 4% higher in North Dakota. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% 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)
2.50%
None
+2.5 pp in North Dakota
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$804
$1,142
+42% in Tennessee
Median Home Value
$269,800
$270,100
+0% in Tennessee
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$66,029
$63,204
+4% in North Dakota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
42.4°F
61.3°F
+18.9°F in Tennessee
North Dakota vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or Tennessee?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $804 runs about 30% 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 North Dakota 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 $32,000 a year in North Dakota versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, North Dakota or Tennessee?
- North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% 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 North Dakota/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.