Quick answer
Tennessee has lower average 1BR rent ($1,238/mo vs $1,327/mo). Both states have the same state income tax rate (None).
State Comparison · 2026
Tennessee vs Texas
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tennessee vs Texas at a Glance
| Metric | Tennessee | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,238 ✓ | $1,327 |
| Avg median home price | $304K ✓ | $379K |
| Cheapest city | Memphis ($980) ✓ | El Paso ($1,050) |
| Priciest city | Nashville ($1,520) | Austin ($1,650) |
| State income tax | None ✓ | None |
| Avg walkability | 35/100 | 45/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 4 | 7 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
Deep Dive: Each State
Tennessee (TN)
Tax reality
Tennessee has no state income tax on W-2 wages or investment income. Sales tax is 7% state + local, totaling 9.25-9.75% in most metros — one of the highest sales tax rates in the US. No estate tax. Property tax is low (~0.7% effective in Nashville, lower in rural areas).
Top cities (4 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Sales tax 9.25%+ is punishing. Every purchase stings — gas, groceries (yes, groceries are taxed here), and retail.
- ✕Nashville traffic has become very bad as the metro has grown. I-24 and I-65 corridor are regularly backed up; the state has underinvested in transit.
- ✕Summers are humid subtropical — regular 90°F + 75% humidity from June through September, and thunderstorm season can be intense.
Texas (TX)
Tax reality
Texas has no state income tax — on $100K that's roughly $5,000-$9,000/year you keep vs California. The catch: Texas property tax averages 1.6-2.3% annually, among the highest in the US. For renters, it's a pure win. For homeowners, a $450K home costs you $7,200-$10,300/year in property tax.
Top cities (7 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Summer heat is genuinely dangerous — 100°F+ days stretch from June through September, and the grid has failed multiple times (Uri 2021, summer 2023). Outdoor time is limited to early morning or after sundown.
- ✕Property taxes are the trade-off for no income tax. On a $450K home you'll pay $7,500-$10,500/year in property taxes — the highest in the country alongside New Jersey and Illinois.
- ✕Car dependency is near-total outside a few Austin and Houston neighborhoods. You will drive everywhere, including to the grocery store. Expect $400-$600/mo in all-in car costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee or Texas cheaper to live in?
Tennessee has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,238/mo vs $1,327/mo in Texas, a $89/mo difference. Home prices: Tennessee median is $304K vs $379K.
Tennessee vs Texas: which has lower state income tax?
Tennessee and Texas have similar state tax (None vs None).
Should I move from Tennessee to Texas?
Tennessee has no state income tax on W-2 wages or investment income. Sales tax is 7% state + local, totaling 9.25-9.75% in most metros — one of the highest sales tax rates in the US. No estate tax. Property tax is low (~0.7% effective in Nashville, lower in rural areas).
What are the best cities in Tennessee vs Texas?
Tennessee's largest metros include Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga. Texas's largest metros include Austin, Houston, Dallas. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Tennessee suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.