California
Moderate tax burden · COL index 142
Wins 6 categories
Tennessee
Low tax burden · COL index 92
Wins 9 categories
Tennessee has no state income tax. California's top rate is 13.3%. Cost of living in California (index 142) runs 54% higher than Tennessee (index 92). The median home in California costs $790K vs $350K in Tennessee. Politically, Tennessee voted Republican in 2024 (R+24.0) while California went Democratic (D+20.0).
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
6
California
9
Tennessee
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Is it better to live in California or Tennessee?
What are the drawbacks to living in Tennessee?
Are groceries cheaper in Tennessee than California?
The average cost of groceries in Nashville, TN is 9.9% lower than Los Angeles, CA.
Why are people moving out of TN?