North Carolina vs Tennessee Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$76,609
in North Carolina
$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 | North Carolina | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.0 | 82.4 | +14% |
| Groceries | 99.0 | 96.8 | +2% |
| Utilities | 94.7 | 88.1 | +7% |
| Transportation | 92.2 | 88.7 | +4% |
| Healthcare | 110.2 | 86.4 | +28% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.4 | 95.3 | +6% |
| Overall | 97.9 | 90.1 | +9% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in North Carolina.
What things actually cost
| Item | North Carolina | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $325,000 | $310,000 | +$15,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,316/mo | $1,154/mo | +$162 |
| Gas price | $3.29/gal | $3.14/gal | +$0.15 |
| Electric bill | $103/mo | $97/mo | +$7 |
| Infant childcare | $11,720/yr | $12,249/yr | $529 |
Salary equivalent: North Carolina → Tennessee
What a North Carolina salary buys you in Tennessee, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in North Carolina | Equivalent in Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $46,016 | +$3,984 |
| $75,000 | $69,025 | +$5,975 |
| $100,000 | $92,033 | +$7,967 |
| $150,000 | $138,049 | +$11,951 |
| $200,000 | $184,065 | +$15,935 |
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
North Carolina is 9% more expensive than Tennessee overall. North Carolina has an index of 97.9 vs 90.1 for Tennessee (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or Tennessee?
Tennessee is cheaper to live in. North Carolina is 9% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $325,000 in North Carolina vs $310,000 in Tennessee.
Is Tennessee cheaper than North Carolina?
Yes, Tennessee is 9% cheaper than North Carolina overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is North Carolina more expensive than Tennessee?
Yes, North Carolina is 9% 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 North Carolina?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in North Carolina, you would need approximately $92,033 in Tennessee. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (97.9 vs 90.1).
How do housing costs compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Tennessee. Median home prices are $325,000 in North Carolina vs $310,000 in Tennessee — a $15,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,316/mo vs $1,154/mo.
What costs more in North Carolina vs Tennessee?
Healthcare is 28% higher in North Carolina (index 110.2 vs 86.4). Housing is 14% higher in North Carolina (index 94 vs 82.4). Utilities is 7% higher in North Carolina (index 94.7 vs 88.1).
Is gas cheaper in North Carolina or Tennessee?
Gas averages $3.29/gallon in North Carolina and $3.14/gallon in Tennessee — a $0.15 difference per gallon.
North Carolina vs Tennessee cost of living — how do they compare?
North Carolina has an overall cost-of-living index of 97.9 and Tennessee has 90.1 (national average = 100). North Carolina is 9% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the North Carolina 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
- North Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Tennessee Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Carolina vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in North Carolina — 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.