Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,705 in New York versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Tennessee runs roughly 33% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $79,713 in New York and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 21% higher in New York. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
7%
+3.0 pp in Tennessee
Income Tax (top rate)
10.90%
None
+10.9 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,705
$1,142
+33% in New York
Median Home Value
$751,700
$270,100
+64% in New York
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$79,713
$63,204
+21% in New York
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
55.0°F
61.3°F
+6.3°F in Tennessee
New York vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New York or Tennessee?
- Tennessee is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,142 runs about 33% below New York's $1,705, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New York 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 $68,000 a year in New York versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, New York or Tennessee?
- New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% 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 New York/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.