New York vs Tennessee
Side-by-side cost of living comparison.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
7%
+3.0 pp in Tennessee
Income Tax (top rate)
10.90%
None
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
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.