Georgia vs Tennessee Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$81,345
in Georgia
$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 | Georgia | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 79.7 | 82.4 | -3% |
| Groceries | 97.8 | 96.8 | +1% |
| Utilities | 100.6 | 88.1 | +14% |
| Transportation | 95.7 | 88.7 | +8% |
| Healthcare | 97.2 | 86.4 | +12% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.0 | 95.3 | +2% |
| Overall | 92.2 | 90.1 | +2% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Georgia.
What things actually cost
| Item | Georgia | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $310,000 | $310,000 | $0 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,116/mo | $1,154/mo | $38 |
| Gas price | $3.32/gal | $3.14/gal | +$0.18 |
| Electric bill | $101/mo | $97/mo | +$4 |
| Infant childcare | $11,863/yr | $12,249/yr | $386 |
Salary equivalent: Georgia → Tennessee
What a Georgia salary buys you in Tennessee, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Georgia | Equivalent in Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,861 | +$1,139 |
| $75,000 | $73,292 | +$1,708 |
| $100,000 | $97,722 | +$2,278 |
| $150,000 | $146,584 | +$3,416 |
| $200,000 | $195,445 | +$4,555 |
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
Georgia is 2% more expensive than Tennessee overall. Georgia has an index of 92.2 vs 90.1 for Tennessee (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Georgia or Tennessee?
Tennessee is cheaper to live in. Georgia is 2% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $310,000 in Georgia vs $310,000 in Tennessee.
Is Tennessee cheaper than Georgia?
Yes, Tennessee is 2% cheaper than Georgia overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Georgia more expensive than Tennessee?
Yes, Georgia is 2% 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 Georgia?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Georgia, you would need approximately $97,722 in Tennessee. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (92.2 vs 90.1).
How do housing costs compare between Georgia and Tennessee?
Housing is cheaper in Georgia. Median home prices are $310,000 in Georgia vs $310,000 in Tennessee — a $0 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,116/mo vs $1,154/mo.
What costs more in Georgia vs Tennessee?
Utilities is 14% higher in Georgia (index 100.6 vs 88.1). Healthcare is 12% higher in Georgia (index 97.2 vs 86.4). Transportation is 8% higher in Georgia (index 95.7 vs 88.7).
Is gas cheaper in Georgia or Tennessee?
Gas averages $3.32/gallon in Georgia and $3.14/gallon in Tennessee — a $0.18 difference per gallon.
Georgia vs Tennessee cost of living — how do they compare?
Georgia has an overall cost-of-living index of 92.2 and Tennessee has 90.1 (national average = 100). Georgia is 2% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Tennessee?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Georgia 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
- Georgia Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Tennessee Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Georgia vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Georgia — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Tennessee — How much house can you afford?
- 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.