Florida vs Tennessee — Cost of Living, Taxes & Income Reality
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFQuick comparison
| Metric | Florida | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 90 ✓ |
| Median Household Income | $77,735 ✓ | $71,997 |
| Median Rent | $2,200/mo | $1,750/mo ✓ |
| State Income Tax | No tax | No tax |
Tax reality
Both Florida and Tennessee have no state income tax — so compare cost of living and housing instead. On a $70,000 salary, take-home is roughly the same in both: about $4,803/month.
Housing reality
Florida
1BR $1,382 – $1,995/mo
Tennessee
1BR $1,578 – $1,578/mo
Major cities compared
Tennessee
Purchasing power
Your $70,000 in Miami feels like approximately $55,368 in Nashville, once housing and taxes are accounted for.
Who benefits from each
- Anyone prioritizing a lower overall cost of living will find Tennessee stretches a paycheck further.
- Workers chasing higher nominal salaries may prefer Florida, where median household income is higher.
Florida vs Tennessee — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Florida or Tennessee?
By cost of living index, Tennessee is the cheaper of the two (Florida: 102, Tennessee: 90; national average = 100). Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Which state has lower income taxes, Florida or Tennessee?
Both Florida and Tennessee have no state income tax. Compare housing and overall cost of living instead.
What is the median income difference between Florida and Tennessee?
Florida has the higher median household income (Florida: $77,735, Tennessee: $71,997). Source: Census ACS 2024.
Should I move from Florida to Tennessee?
It depends on your priorities. Tennessee offers a lower cost of living, while Florida has higher median incomes. Weigh taxes, housing, and career options together. This is a picture, not a verdict.