Missouri vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $2,588/yr more in Tennessee

$216/mo · $100/paycheck more

Missouri
Tennessee

$59,005/yr in Missouri vs $61,593/yr in Tennessee.

Missouri

Take-home per paycheck

$2,269.42

$59,005/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,5883%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,00579%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.3%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.7%

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 Missouri and Tennessee is about the same.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $59,005 in Missouri has the purchasing power of $58,219 in Tennessee terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Tennessee comes out ahead by $3,374/yr.

Housing
Median home$235,000vs$310,000
Missouri
Tennessee
32% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,085/movs$1,154/mo
Missouri
Tennessee
6% more
Groceries
Index
Missouri
Tennessee
1% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.03/galvs$3.14/gal
Missouri
Tennessee
4% more
Utilities
Electric bill$98/movs$97/mo
Missouri
1% more
Tennessee
Healthcare
Index
Missouri
16% more
Tennessee
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,173/yrvs$12,249/yr
Missouri
8% 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

Missouri: Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 0.00% to 4.70%.

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 Missouri take-home Tennessee take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,942 $42,355 -$1,413
$75,000 $59,005 $61,593 -$2,588
$100,000 $75,417 $79,180 -$3,763
$150,000 $107,678 $113,791 -$6,113
$200,000 $140,464 $148,927 -$8,463
$300,000 $202,014 $215,177 -$13,163

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Missouri or Tennessee?

At a $100,000 salary, Tennessee results in $3,763 more annual take-home pay. Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 0.00% to 4.70%. 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 $1,413/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $6,113/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $13,163/yr.

Do Missouri 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 Missouri or Tennessee?

Missouri is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Missouri is 1% lower than in Tennessee. Missouri's Regional Price Parity is 89.8 and Tennessee's is 90.7 (US average = 100).

Is Missouri cheaper than Tennessee?

Yes. Missouri has a lower cost of living than Tennessee (index 89.8 vs 90.7). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Tennessee more expensive than Missouri?

Yes. Tennessee has a higher cost of living (index 90.7) compared to Missouri (index 89.8). 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 $75,417 in Missouri has the purchasing power of $74,669 in Tennessee terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Tennessee equals $79,974 in Missouri terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Tennessee comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 1% different between Missouri and Tennessee. Living costs are 10% 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 Missouri and Tennessee?

Missouri 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

Missouri Paycheck Estimator · Tennessee Paycheck Estimator · All states