Tennessee
Low tax burden · COL index 92
Wins 9 categories
California
Moderate tax burden · COL index 142
Wins 6 categories
Tennessee has no state income tax. California's top rate is 13.3%. Cost of living in California (index 142) runs 54% higher than Tennessee (index 92). The median home in California costs $790K vs $350K in Tennessee. Politically, Tennessee voted Republican in 2024 (R+24.0) while California went Democratic (D+20.0).
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
9
Tennessee
6
California
Run the full slider tool to score these states against your specific income, home value, retirement, and lifestyle priorities.
Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
Is it better to live in Tennessee or California?
Tennessee offers a different deal: no income tax, a far lower cost of living, top-rated schools in the suburbs, and a culture that still leans on faith, family, and freedom. Here is the honest math, including the one area where Tennessee will cost you more.
Why are so many Californians moving to Tennessee?
What are the drawbacks to living in Tennessee?
Is $50,000 a year good in Tennessee?
50K Salary in Tennessee $41.7K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. The median wage is $44.8K / yr. $49.4K is the 75th percentile.