State Comparison
California vs Tennessee
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics using documented public datasets and estimates, with sources listed below.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Tennessee leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $776,000 in California vs $339,000 in Tennessee — a $437,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: California has a 13.3% top income tax rate while Tennessee has no income tax. Property tax rates are 0.7% vs 0.52%.
- 4
Cost of Living: California's index is 140.5 and Tennessee's is 88.9 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real California and Tennessee data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California or Tennessee more affordable?
Tennessee has a lower cost of living index (88.9) compared to California (140.5), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — California or Tennessee?
It depends on what you earn, spend, and own — the three rates below apply to different bases (income, purchases, and home value), so they cannot be added into a single burden figure. On the headline rates alone, Tennessee is lower on more of them. California has a 13.3% top income tax, 7.25% state sales tax, and a 0.7% effective property tax rate. Tennessee has no income tax, 7% state sales tax, and a 0.52% effective property tax rate.
What are housing costs in California vs Tennessee?
The typical home value in California is $776,000 compared to $339,000 in Tennessee (Zillow Home Value Index, June 2026). For renters, HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit — the 40th-percentile gross rent, not an average — is $2,745/month in California vs $1,363/month in Tennessee.
Which state is better for starting a business — California or Tennessee?
LLC filing costs are $70 in California vs $300 in Tennessee, with annual fees of $800 and $300 respectively. California's 13.3% top tax rate compared to Tennessee's tax-free status may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from California to Tennessee?
It depends on your priorities. Tennessee wins in 10 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing California and Tennessee
When deciding between living in California or Tennessee, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey), the Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rents, Zillow's Home Value Index, the NAIC's insurance databases, the U.S. Department of Labor, C2ER's Cost of Living Index, and state agencies, to give you a comprehensive overview.
California (CA) has a median household income of $100,149 with a cost of living index of 140.5. Tennessee (TN) has a median household income of $71,997 with a cost of living index of 88.9. Income figures are Census ACS 1-year estimates (table B19013, 2024); the cost-of-living index is C2ER's Q1 2026 survey via MERIC, where 100 is the national average of surveyed cities.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free California calculator or Tennessee calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Sources per metric are named in each row's note above. Last reviewed . Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.