Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $984 in Nebraska versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Nebraska runs roughly 14% cheaper on rent than Tennessee, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $72,708 in Nebraska and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 13% higher in Nebraska. Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% 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)
4.55%
None
+4.5 pp in Nebraska
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$984
$1,142
+16% in Tennessee
Median Home Value
$230,100
$270,100
+17% in Tennessee
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$72,708
$63,204
+13% in Nebraska
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
51.1°F
61.3°F
+10.1°F in Tennessee
Nebraska vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Nebraska or Tennessee?
- Nebraska is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $984 runs about 14% 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 Nebraska 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 $39,000 a year in Nebraska versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Nebraska or Tennessee?
- Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% 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 1/2 cities we track in Nebraska/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.