Alaska vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

Take-home pay is identical

Alaska
Tennessee

$61,593/yr in Alaska vs $61,593/yr in Tennessee.

Alaska

Take-home per paycheck

$2,368.94

$61,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$61,59382%
Tax rates
Effective: 17.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%

Tennessee

Take-home per paycheck

$2,368.94

$61,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$61,59382%
Tax rates
Effective: 17.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Alaska is 41% higher than in Tennessee.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $61,593 in Alaska has the purchasing power of $86,612 in Tennessee terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Alaska comes out ahead by $25,020/yr.

Housing
Median home$340,000vs$310,000
Alaska
10% more
Tennessee
Avg 2BR rent$1,730/movs$1,154/mo
Alaska
50% more
Tennessee
Groceries
Index
Alaska
29% more
Tennessee
Transportation
Regular gas$3.95/galvs$3.14/gal
Alaska
26% more
Tennessee
Utilities
Electric bill$196/movs$97/mo
Alaska
103% more
Tennessee
Healthcare
Index
Alaska
61% more
Tennessee
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$20,943/yrvs$12,249/yr
Alaska
71% more
Tennessee

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Alaska: Alaska has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

Tennessee: Tennessee has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Alaska take-home Tennessee take-home Difference
$50,000 $42,355 $42,355 $0
$75,000 $61,593 $61,593 $0
$100,000 $79,180 $79,180 $0
$150,000 $113,791 $113,791 $0
$200,000 $148,927 $148,927 $0
$300,000 $215,177 $215,177 $0

Positive values mean higher take-home in Alaska. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Alaska or Tennessee?

At a $100,000 salary, Tennessee results in $0 more annual take-home pay. Alaska has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. Tennessee has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

How much more do you take home in Tennessee vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $0/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $0/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $0/yr.

Do Alaska and Tennessee have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Alaska or Tennessee?

Tennessee is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Alaska is 15% higher than in Tennessee. Alaska's Regional Price Parity is 104.2 and Tennessee's is 90.7 (US average = 100).

Is Tennessee cheaper than Alaska?

Yes. Tennessee has a lower cost of living than Alaska (index 90.7 vs 104.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Alaska more expensive than Tennessee?

Yes. Alaska has a higher cost of living (index 104.2) compared to Tennessee (index 90.7). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $79,180 in Alaska has the purchasing power of $90,965 in Tennessee terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Tennessee equals $68,922 in Alaska terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Alaska comes out ahead.

Alaska vs Tennessee cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 14% different between Alaska and Tennessee. Living costs are 4% above the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Alaska gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Alaska and Tennessee?

Alaska has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. Tennessee has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Alaska Paycheck Estimator · Tennessee Paycheck Estimator · All states