Kansas vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $3,818/yr more in Tennessee

$318/mo · $147/paycheck more

Kansas
Tennessee

$57,775/yr in Kansas vs $61,593/yr in Tennessee.

Kansas

Take-home per paycheck

$2,222.12

$57,775/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,8185%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,77577%
Tax rates
Effective: 23.0%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.7%

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 Kansas is 2% lower than in Tennessee.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,775 in Kansas has the purchasing power of $56,685 in Tennessee terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Tennessee comes out ahead by $4,908/yr.

Housing
Median home$215,000vs$310,000
Kansas
Tennessee
44% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,077/movs$1,154/mo
Kansas
Tennessee
7% more
Groceries
Index
Kansas
Tennessee
1% more
Transportation
Regular gas$2.96/galvs$3.14/gal
Kansas
Tennessee
6% more
Utilities
Electric bill$99/movs$97/mo
Kansas
3% more
Tennessee
Healthcare
Index
Kansas
9% more
Tennessee
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,105/yrvs$12,249/yr
Kansas
Tennessee
35% more

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

Kansas: Kansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 3.10% to 5.70%.

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 Kansas take-home Tennessee take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,963 $42,355 -$2,392
$75,000 $57,775 $61,593 -$3,817
$100,000 $73,938 $79,180 -$5,242
$150,000 $105,699 $113,791 -$8,092
$200,000 $137,985 $148,927 -$10,942
$300,000 $198,534 $215,177 -$16,642

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Kansas or Tennessee?

At a $100,000 salary, Tennessee results in $5,243 more annual take-home pay. Kansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 3.10% to 5.70%. 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 $2,393/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $8,093/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $16,643/yr.

Do Kansas 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 Kansas or Tennessee?

Tennessee is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Kansas is 1% higher than in Tennessee. Kansas's Regional Price Parity is 91.4 and Tennessee's is 90.7 (US average = 100).

Is Tennessee cheaper than Kansas?

Yes. Tennessee has a lower cost of living than Kansas (index 90.7 vs 91.4). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Kansas more expensive than Tennessee?

Yes. Kansas has a higher cost of living (index 91.4) 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 $73,938 in Kansas has the purchasing power of $74,508 in Tennessee terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Tennessee equals $78,574 in Kansas terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Tennessee comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 1% different between Kansas and Tennessee. Living costs are 9% below the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Tennessee gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Kansas 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

Kansas Paycheck Estimator · Tennessee Paycheck Estimator · All states