Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,080 in Oregon versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Oregon runs roughly 5% cheaper on rent than Tennessee, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,900 in Oregon and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 12% higher in Oregon. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
7%
+7.0 pp in Tennessee
Income Tax (top rate)
9.90%
None
+9.9 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,080
$1,142
+6% in Tennessee
Median Home Value
$435,400
$270,100
+38% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$71,900
$63,204
+12% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.0°F
61.3°F
+8.3°F in Tennessee
Oregon vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Oregon or Tennessee?
- Oregon is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,080 runs about 5% 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 Oregon 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 $43,000 a year in Oregon versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Oregon or Tennessee?
- Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no 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 Oregon/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.