Connecticut vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $3,375/yr more in Tennessee

$281/mo · $130/paycheck more

Connecticut
Tennessee

$58,218/yr in Connecticut vs $61,593/yr in Tennessee.

Connecticut

Take-home per paycheck

$2,239.13

$58,218/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,3755%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,21878%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.5%

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 Connecticut is 27% higher than in Tennessee.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,218 in Connecticut has the purchasing power of $73,660 in Tennessee terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Connecticut comes out ahead by $12,068/yr.

Housing
Median home$405,000vs$310,000
Connecticut
31% more
Tennessee
Avg 2BR rent$1,712/movs$1,154/mo
Connecticut
48% more
Tennessee
Groceries
Index
Connecticut
7% more
Tennessee
Transportation
Regular gas$3.45/galvs$3.14/gal
Connecticut
10% more
Tennessee
Utilities
Electric bill$216/movs$97/mo
Connecticut
124% more
Tennessee
Healthcare
Index
Connecticut
29% more
Tennessee
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$20,254/yrvs$12,249/yr
Connecticut
65% 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

Connecticut: Connecticut uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 6.99%.

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 Connecticut take-home Tennessee take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,355 $42,355 -$2,000
$75,000 $58,218 $61,593 -$3,375
$100,000 $74,430 $79,180 -$4,750
$150,000 $106,041 $113,791 -$7,750
$200,000 $138,177 $148,927 -$10,750
$300,000 $197,727 $215,177 -$17,450

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Connecticut or Tennessee?

At a $100,000 salary, Tennessee results in $4,750 more annual take-home pay. Connecticut uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 6.99%. 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 $2,000/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $7,750/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $17,450/yr.

Do Connecticut 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 Connecticut or Tennessee?

Tennessee is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Connecticut is 21% higher than in Tennessee. Connecticut's Regional Price Parity is 109.4 and Tennessee's is 90.7 (US average = 100).

Is Tennessee cheaper than Connecticut?

Yes. Tennessee has a lower cost of living than Connecticut (index 90.7 vs 109.4). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Connecticut more expensive than Tennessee?

Yes. Connecticut has a higher cost of living (index 109.4) 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 $74,430 in Connecticut has the purchasing power of $89,776 in Tennessee terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Tennessee equals $65,646 in Connecticut terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Connecticut comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 19% different between Connecticut and Tennessee. Living costs are 9% above the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Connecticut gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Connecticut requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. 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

Connecticut Paycheck Estimator · Tennessee Paycheck Estimator · All states