State Comparison
Texas vs Tennessee
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Texas leads in 6 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $310,000 in Texas vs $310,000 in Tennessee — a $0 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Texas has no income tax while Tennessee has no income tax. Property tax rates are 1.8% vs 0.71%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Texas's index is 93.9 and Tennessee's is 89.7 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Texas and Tennessee data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas or Tennessee more affordable?
Tennessee has a lower cost of living index (89.7) compared to Texas (93.9), 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 — Texas or Tennessee?
Overall, Tennessee has a lower combined tax burden. Texas has no income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.8% property tax. Tennessee has no income tax, 7% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
What are housing costs in Texas vs Tennessee?
The median home price in Texas is $310,000 compared to $310,000 in Tennessee. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,275/month in Texas vs $1,060/month in Tennessee.
Which state is better for starting a business — Texas or Tennessee?
LLC filing costs are $300 in Texas vs $300 in Tennessee, with annual fees of $0 and $300 respectively. Texas's lack of income tax compared to Tennessee's tax-free status may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Texas to Tennessee?
It depends on your priorities. Texas wins in 6 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 Texas and Tennessee
When deciding between living in Texas or Tennessee, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Texas (TX) has a median household income of $67,321 with a cost of living index of 93.9. Tennessee (TN) has a median household income of $56,071 with a cost of living index of 89.7.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Texas calculator or Tennessee calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.