Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $817 in Ohio versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Ohio runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than Tennessee, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $51,707 in Ohio and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 18% higher in Tennessee. Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.75%
7%
+1.3 pp in Tennessee
Income Tax (top rate)
2.75%
None
+2.8 pp in Ohio
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$817
$1,142
+40% in Tennessee
Median Home Value
$215,300
$270,100
+25% in Tennessee
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$51,707
$63,204
+22% in Tennessee
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
61.3°F
+8.5°F in Tennessee
Ohio vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Ohio or Tennessee?
- Ohio is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $817 runs about 28% 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 Ohio 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 $33,000 a year in Ohio versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Ohio or Tennessee?
- Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% 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 Ohio/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.