Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,189 in Pennsylvania versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Tennessee runs roughly 4% cheaper on rent than Pennsylvania, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,698 in Pennsylvania and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 4% higher in Tennessee. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
7%
+1.0 pp in Tennessee
Income Tax (top rate)
3.07%
None
+3.1 pp in Pennsylvania
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,189
$1,142
+4% in Pennsylvania
Median Home Value
$232,400
$270,100
+16% in Tennessee
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,698
$63,204
+4% in Tennessee
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
57.1°F
61.3°F
+4.1°F in Tennessee
Pennsylvania vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Tennessee?
- Tennessee is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,142 runs about 4% below Pennsylvania's $1,189, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Pennsylvania 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 $48,000 a year in Pennsylvania versus $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Pennsylvania or Tennessee?
- Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% 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 Pennsylvania/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.