Quick answer
Tennessee has lower average 1BR rent ($1,238/mo vs $1,600/mo). Both states have the same state income tax rate (None).
State Comparison · 2026
Tennessee vs Washington
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
Tennessee vs Washington at a Glance
| Metric | Tennessee | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,238 ✓ | $1,600 |
| Avg median home price | $304K ✓ | $570K |
| Cheapest city | Memphis ($980) ✓ | Spokane ($1,100) |
| Priciest city | Nashville ($1,520) | Seattle ($2,100) |
| State income tax | None ✓ | None |
| Avg walkability | 35/100 | 62/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 4 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
Deep Dive: Each State
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.
Washington (WA)
Tax reality
Washington has no state income tax on W-2 wages. The state collects revenue through a 6.5% state sales tax (local rates push it to 9-10% in most metros) and a Business & Occupation (B&O) gross receipts tax that affects self-employed workers. A 7% capital gains tax (passed 2021) applies only to gains over $250K on investments — so most people never hit it.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Cloud cover from October through April is serious — many newcomers experience genuine seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you've never lived somewhere with low winter sunlight, test with a 2-week November visit before committing.
- ✕Home prices in Seattle proper have stayed high — $750K-$850K median for a modest SFH in decent neighborhoods. Bellevue and eastside tech suburbs run higher.
- ✕Sales tax 9-10% stings. Every purchase is noticeably more expensive than in no-sales-tax states like Oregon or Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee or Washington cheaper to live in?
Tennessee has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,238/mo vs $1,600/mo in Washington, a $362/mo difference. Home prices: Tennessee median is $304K vs $570K.
Tennessee vs Washington: which has lower state income tax?
Tennessee and Washington have similar state tax (None vs None).
Should I move from Tennessee to Washington?
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).
What are the best cities in Tennessee vs Washington?
Tennessee's largest metros include Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga. Washington's largest metros include Seattle, Spokane. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Tennessee suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.