Connecticut vs Tennessee Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$65,789
in Connecticut
$83,241
in Tennessee
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Connecticut | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 122.3 | 82.4 | +48% |
| Groceries | 103.6 | 96.8 | +7% |
| Utilities | 131.9 | 88.1 | +50% |
| Transportation | 104.0 | 88.7 | +17% |
| Healthcare | 111.5 | 86.4 | +29% |
| Dining & Misc | 109.8 | 95.3 | +15% |
| Overall | 114.0 | 90.1 | +27% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Connecticut.
What things actually cost
| Item | Connecticut | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $405,000 | $310,000 | +$95,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,712/mo | $1,154/mo | +$558 |
| Gas price | $3.45/gal | $3.14/gal | +$0.31 |
| Electric bill | $216/mo | $97/mo | +$119 |
| Infant childcare | $20,254/yr | $12,249/yr | +$8,005 |
Salary equivalent: Connecticut → Tennessee
What a Connecticut salary buys you in Tennessee, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Connecticut | Equivalent in Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,518 | +$10,482 |
| $75,000 | $59,276 | +$15,724 |
| $100,000 | $79,035 | +$20,965 |
| $150,000 | $118,553 | +$31,447 |
| $200,000 | $158,070 | +$41,930 |
Positive = your money goes further in Tennessee. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Connecticut is 27% more expensive than Tennessee overall. Connecticut has an index of 114 vs 90.1 for Tennessee (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Connecticut or Tennessee?
Tennessee is cheaper to live in. Connecticut is 27% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $405,000 in Connecticut vs $310,000 in Tennessee.
Is Tennessee cheaper than Connecticut?
Yes, Tennessee is 27% cheaper than Connecticut overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Connecticut more expensive than Tennessee?
Yes, Connecticut is 27% more expensive than Tennessee based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Tennessee equals $100,000 in Connecticut?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Connecticut, you would need approximately $79,035 in Tennessee. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (114 vs 90.1).
How do housing costs compare between Connecticut and Tennessee?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Tennessee. Median home prices are $405,000 in Connecticut vs $310,000 in Tennessee — a $95,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,712/mo vs $1,154/mo.
What costs more in Connecticut vs Tennessee?
Utilities is 50% higher in Connecticut (index 131.9 vs 88.1). Housing is 48% higher in Connecticut (index 122.3 vs 82.4). Healthcare is 29% higher in Connecticut (index 111.5 vs 86.4).
Is gas cheaper in Connecticut or Tennessee?
Gas averages $3.45/gallon in Connecticut and $3.14/gallon in Tennessee — a $0.31 difference per gallon.
Connecticut vs Tennessee cost of living — how do they compare?
Connecticut has an overall cost-of-living index of 114 and Tennessee has 90.1 (national average = 100). Connecticut is 27% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Tennessee?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Connecticut vs Tennessee paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Connecticut Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Tennessee Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Connecticut vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Connecticut — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Tennessee — How much house can you afford?
- Connecticut Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Tennessee Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Connecticut Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.