Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $857 in New York versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, New York runs roughly 25% cheaper on rent than Tennessee, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $48,050 in New York and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 24% higher in 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.
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
$857
$1,142
+33% in Tennessee
Median Home Value
$152,300
$270,100
+77% in Tennessee
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$48,050
$63,204
+32% in Tennessee
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
48.3°F
61.3°F
+13.0°F in Tennessee
New York vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New York or Tennessee?
- New York is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $857 runs about 25% 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 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 $34,000 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 3/2 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.