Quick answer
Tennessee has lower average 1BR rent ($1,238/mo vs $1,265/mo). State income tax: Tennessee (None) vs Wisconsin (7.65%) — on a $120K salary that's $9,180/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Tennessee vs Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin at a Glance
| Metric | Tennessee | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,238 ✓ | $1,265 |
| Avg median home price | $304K | $303K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Memphis ($980) ✓ | Milwaukee ($1,150) |
| Priciest city | Nashville ($1,520) | Madison ($1,380) |
| State income tax | None ✓ | 7.65% |
| Avg walkability | 35/100 | 63/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 4 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Tennessee (None).
Salary $80K
$6,120
/year saved in Tennessee
Salary $120K
$9,180
/year saved in Tennessee
Salary $200K
$15,300
/year saved in Tennessee
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
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.
Wisconsin (WI)
Tax reality
Wisconsin has a progressive state income tax up to 7.65% for high earners (kicks in around $280K single). Property tax is moderate-high (~1.8% effective on average). Sales tax 5% state + local to 5.5%. No estate tax.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Winters are brutal. Milwaukee averages 47 inches of snow per year; Madison 50+. November through March regularly sees -10°F wind chills and consistent snow cover. Lake-effect weather adds intensity near Lake Michigan.
- ✕Property tax in Wisconsin is notably high — 1.8% effective average, meaning a $400K home pays $7,200/year in property tax. This partially offsets the moderate income tax.
- ✕Outside Milwaukee and Madison, the job market narrows fast. Rural Wisconsin dairy and manufacturing have been in structural decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee or Wisconsin cheaper to live in?
Tennessee has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,238/mo vs $1,265/mo in Wisconsin, a $27/mo difference. Home prices: Wisconsin median is $303K vs $304K.
Tennessee vs Wisconsin: which has lower state income tax?
Tennessee has lower state income tax (None) vs 7.65% in Wisconsin. On an $80K salary that's $6,120/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $15,300/year.
Should I move from Tennessee to Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Tennessee's largest metros include Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga. Wisconsin's largest metros include Milwaukee, Madison. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Tennessee suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.