Quick answer
Tennessee has lower average 1BR rent ($1,238/mo vs $1,495/mo). State income tax: Tennessee (None) vs Oregon (Up to 9.9%) — on a $120K salary that's $11,880/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Oregon vs Tennessee
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
Oregon vs Tennessee at a Glance
| Metric | Oregon | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,495 | $1,238 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $472K | $304K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Eugene ($1,400) | Memphis ($980) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Portland ($1,590) | Nashville ($1,520) |
| State income tax | Up to 9.9% | None ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 57/100 ✓ | 35/100 |
| Cities tracked | 2 | 4 |
✓ 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
$7,920
/year saved in Tennessee
Salary $120K
$11,880
/year saved in Tennessee
Salary $200K
$19,800
/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
Oregon (OR)
Tax reality
Oregon has one of the highest state income taxes in the US — 9.9% on income over $125K. BUT zero sales tax, which benefits high spenders and makes Oregon a strong pick for buyers and frequent shoppers. Property tax is moderate (~1% effective). The estate tax kicks in at $1M.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕State income tax at 9.9% (top bracket, kicking in at ~$125K) is among the highest in the US. High earners considering Oregon should compare against Washington's 0% and factor $10,000+/year state tax hit.
- ✕Portland has real livability concerns downtown that haven't fully resolved. Outside central downtown, residential neighborhoods are fine, but the downtown office/retail core is struggling.
- ✕PNW cloud cover runs October-April just like Seattle — 150+ cloudy days per year. Seasonal affective disorder is real for transplants from sunny climates.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oregon or Tennessee cheaper to live in?
Tennessee has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,238/mo vs $1,495/mo in Oregon, a $257/mo difference. Home prices: Tennessee median is $304K vs $472K.
Oregon vs Tennessee: which has lower state income tax?
Tennessee has lower state income tax (None) vs Up to 9.9% in Oregon. On an $80K salary that's $7,920/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $19,800/year.
Should I move from Oregon to Tennessee?
Oregon has one of the highest state income taxes in the US — 9.9% on income over $125K. BUT zero sales tax, which benefits high spenders and makes Oregon a strong pick for buyers and frequent shoppers. Property tax is moderate (~1% effective). The estate tax kicks in at $1M.
What are the best cities in Oregon vs Tennessee?
Oregon's largest metros include Portland, Eugene. Tennessee's largest metros include Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Oregon suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.