New Jersey vs Tennessee: Which Is Better to Live In?
New Jersey ranks #28 of 50 overall and Tennessee #24 as of the latest release. Tennessee is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 91.9 vs 108.8), has no income tax, and has a 61% higher violent crime rate. Tennessee scores higher overall, leading 5 of 11 categories to 5.
- Violent crime rate is 61% lower in New Jersey (194 vs. 492 in Tennessee).
- Income needed to buy the typical home is 49% lower in Tennessee ($85,549 vs. $167,639 in New Jersey).
- Residential electricity price is 42% lower in Tennessee (13.18¢/kWh vs. 22.63¢/kWh in New Jersey).
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap -2.1 pts | 55.0#28 of 50 · C+ | 57.1#24 of 50 · B | -2.1 pts | — | TN |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +16.9 pts (+18%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 91.9#14 of 50 | +16.9 pts+18% | 100 | TN |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap -$38,145 · US -$11,758 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | -$5,659#18 of 50 | -$38,145 | -$11,758 | TN |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$246,245 (+74%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $334,108#23 of 50 | +$246,245+74% | $368,697 | TN |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +3.92 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 6.38%#4 of 50 | +3.92 pts | 8.74% | TN |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -299 (-61%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 492#46 of 50 | -299-61% | 328 | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap +$32,297 (+45%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $71,997#40 of 50 | +$32,297+45% | $80,903 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap -5.2 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 90.4%#2 of 50 | -5.2 pts | 85.62% | TN |
| Life expectancyGap +5.8 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 73.8#44 of 50 | +5.8 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -43,474 · US -33 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +24,104#5 of 50 | -43,474 | -33 | TN |
Cost of living index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (US = 100). Left after costs from the America's Dashboard affordability engine for a family of four earning $75,000. Typical home value from Zillow Research. Tax burden from WalletHub. Violent crime from the FBI, per 100,000 residents. Income and graduation from the Census Bureau and NCES. Life expectancy from the CDC. Net households from IRS Statistics of Income. US column is the 50-state average or median.
Is New Jersey or Tennessee better to live in?
Tennessee scores higher overall: 57.1 to 55 out of 100, #24 of 50 against #28. New Jersey leads 5 of 11 categories, Tennessee leads 5, and 1 are within 3 points.
| Category | Weight | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | Gap | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy15% of scoregap +3.6 | 15% | 49.4#22 · B | 45.8#26 · B | +3.6 pts | NJ |
| Safety12% of scoregap +29.6 | 12% | 81.8#7 · A | 52.2#45 · D | +29.6 pts | NJ |
| Health12% of scoregap +49.4 | 12% | 78.1#4 · A+ | 28.7#46 · D | +49.4 pts | NJ |
| Education12% of scoregap +3.1 | 12% | 74.8#5 · A+ | 71.7#8 · A | +3.1 pts | NJ |
| Affordability10% of scoregap -38.3 | 10% | 39.6#45 · D | 77.9#17 · B+ | -38.3 pts | TN |
| Fiscal Health8% of scoregap -42.9 | 8% | 33.2#49 · F | 76.1#3 · A+ | -42.9 pts | TN |
| Growth7% of scoregap -37.2 | 7% | 19.7#46 · D | 56.9#5 · A+ | -37.2 pts | TN |
| Transportation7% of scoregap +3 | 7% | 45.9#36 · C | 42.9#40 · C | +3 pts | NJ |
| Livability7% of scoregap -21.3 | 7% | 25.7#39 · C | 47.0#9 · A | -21.3 pts | TN |
| Outdoor Access6% of scoregap -6.8 | 6% | 6.5#48 · D | 13.3#38 · C | -6.8 pts | TN |
| Environment4% of scoregap +1.2 | 4% | 37.4#31 · C+ | 36.2#33 · C+ | +1.2 pts | Even |
Scores run 0 to 100 within each category; weight is the category's share of the composite. Grades follow rank (1–5 A+, 6–10 A, 11–18 B+, 19–26 B, 27–34 C+, 35–42 C, 43–48 D, 49–50 F). Methodology →
Is New Jersey cheaper than Tennessee?
Tennessee is cheaper: cost of living index 91.9 vs 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 keeps $38,145 more a year in Tennessee after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +16.9 pts (+18%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 91.9#14 of 50 | +16.9 pts+18% | 100 | TN |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +10.9 pts (+11%) · US 100 | 107.1#48 of 50 | 96.2#18 of 50 | +10.9 pts+11% | 100 | TN |
| Residential electricity priceGap +9.45¢ (+72%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | 13.18¢/kWh#11 of 50 | +9.45¢+72% | 17.84¢/kWh | TN |
| Residential natural gas priceGap +$2.37 (+20%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | $11.84/Mcf#16 of 50 | +$2.37+20% | $15.83/Mcf | TN |
| Gasoline priceGap +$0.12 (+4%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | $3.08/gal#13 of 50 | +$0.12+4% | $3.32/gal | TN |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$4,051 (+29%) · US $15,633 | $17,977#35 of 50 | $13,926#19 of 50 | +$4,051+29% | $15,633 | TN |
Cost of living index and the price level for goods from the Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (US = 100). Electricity, natural gas and gasoline prices from the EIA; center-based infant care from Child Care Aware of America. Lower is ahead.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adultearning $75,000Gap -$19,581 | +$16,327costs $58,674 | +$35,908costs $39,093 | -$19,581 | TN |
| Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap -$24,245 | +$3,147costs $71,854 | +$27,392costs $47,609 | -$24,245 | TN |
| Family of 4earning $75,000Gap -$38,145 | -$43,804costs $118,804 | -$5,659costs $80,660 | -$38,145 | TN |
| Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap -$21,459 | +$18,501costs $56,499 | +$39,960costs $35,040 | -$21,459 | TN |
Income left after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and state and local taxes for four household types earning $75,000, from the affordability engine. Negative means typical costs exceed take-home pay.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HousingGap +$26,526 | $48,737 | $22,211 | +$26,526 | TN |
| ChildcareGap +$8,102 | $35,954 | $27,852 | +$8,102 | TN |
| UtilitiesGap +$811 | $5,222 | $4,411 | +$811 | TN |
| GroceriesGap +$1,228 | $12,063 | $10,835 | +$1,228 | TN |
| TransportationGap +$377 | $10,057 | $9,680 | +$377 | Even |
| State and local taxesGap +$1,100 | $6,771 | $5,671 | +$1,100 | TN |
Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.
Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or Tennessee?
Tennessee collects a smaller share of income in state and local taxes: 6.38% vs 10.3%. New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack; Tennessee has no income tax, low property tax, high sales tax.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +3.92 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 6.38%#4 of 50 | +3.92 pts | 8.74% | TN |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +11.75 pts · US 5.46% | 11.75%#47 of 50 | none#6 of 50 | +11.75 pts | 5.46% | TN |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +1.75 pts · US 1.02% | 2.33%#50 of 50 | 0.58%#13 of 50 | +1.75 pts | 1.02% | TN |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap -3.01 pts · US 6.66% | 6.6%#21 of 50 | 9.61%#49 of 50 | -3.01 pts | 6.66% | NJ |
Total tax burden (state and local taxes as a share of personal income) from WalletHub; top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate and combined state and local sales tax from the Tax Foundation. Lower is ahead.
Are homes more expensive in New Jersey or Tennessee?
Homes cost 74% more in New Jersey: a typical home value of $580,353 in New Jersey vs $334,108 in Tennessee. Buying the typical home takes about $167,639 of income in New Jersey and $85,549 in Tennessee; the median household earns $104,294 and $71,997.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$246,245 (+74%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $334,108#23 of 50 | +$246,245+74% | $368,697 | TN |
| Home value change, one yearGap +3.2 pts · US +1.2% | +3.9%#8 of 50 | +0.7%#38 of 50 | +3.2 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$700 (+39%) · US $1,948 | $2,513#45 of 50 | $1,813#28 of 50 | +$700+39% | $1,948 | TN |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap +$82,090 (+96%) · US $100,006 | $167,639#47 of 50 | $85,549#19 of 50 | +$82,090+96% | $100,006 | TN |
| Home value to income ratioGap +1x (+22%) · US 4.6x | 5.6x#41 of 50 | 4.6x#28 of 50 | +1x+22% | 4.6x | TN |
Typical home value, one-year change, largest-metro rent and income needed to buy from Zillow Research (a modeled estimate, not a median). Price-to-income ratio divides that typical home value by ACS median household income. Lower is ahead.
| NJ | TN | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment, 20% down | $2,986 | $1,719 |
| Income needed vs. median | +61% | +19% |
| Five-year change | +35.4% | +24.8% |
| Market temperature | Warm | Cold |
| Largest metro | Trenton | Nashville |
Income needed vs. median: how far the income required to buy the typical home sits above (+) or below (−) the state's median household income. Temperature blends price cuts, days to pending and inventory against the national market (Zillow).
Do people earn more in New Jersey or Tennessee?
New Jersey pays more: median household income $104,294 vs $71,997, with unemployment at 5.2% in New Jersey and 3.5% in Tennessee.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeGap +$32,297 (+45%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $71,997#40 of 50 | +$32,297+45% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap +1.7 pts · US 3.95% | 5.2%#46 of 50 | 3.5%#16 of 50 | +1.7 pts | 3.95% | TN |
| GDP per capitaGap +$12,627 (+21%) · US $64,333 | $73,820#9 of 50 | $61,193#27 of 50 | +$12,627+21% | $64,333 | NJ |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.4 pts · US +1.91% | +2%#24 of 50 | +2.4%#15 of 50 | -0.4 pts | +1.91% | Even |
| Population growthGap -0.44 pts · US +0.51% | +0.44%#26 of 50 | +0.88%#9 of 50 | -0.44 pts | +0.51% | Even |
Median household income from the Census Bureau ACS; unemployment from BLS LAUS; GDP per capita and real GDP growth from the BEA; population growth from Census Bureau estimates.
Is New Jersey safer than Tennessee?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 492 in Tennessee (FBI). Property crime runs 1,250 and 1,637 per 100,000.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -299 (-61%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 492#46 of 50 | -299-61% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -387 (-24%) · US 1,535 | 1,250#12 of 50 | 1,637#33 of 50 | -387-24% | 1,535 | NJ |
FBI state crime estimates, offenses per 100,000 residents, latest release. Florida and North Dakota use the FBI's prior-year estimate because the latest year is based on limited data. Lower is ahead.
- Clifton, NJ166 violent per 100K
- Brentwood, TN62 violent per 100K
Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.
Which has better schools and health, New Jersey or Tennessee?
New Jersey scores higher for education (#5 of 50 vs #8), with high school graduation rates of 85.2% and 90.4%. New Jersey scores higher for health (#4 vs #46); life expectancy is 79.6 years in New Jersey and 73.8 in Tennessee.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +6 · US 273 | 282#5 of 50 | 276#19 of 50 | +6 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap +7 · US 257 | 266#2 of 50 | 259#20 of 50 | +7 | 257 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap -5.2 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 90.4%#2 of 50 | -5.2 pts | 85.62% | TN |
| Life expectancyGap +5.8 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 73.8#44 of 50 | +5.8 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap -9.9 pts · US 34.03% | 27.7%#4 of 50 | 37.6%#43 of 50 | -9.9 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -2 pts · US 7.6% | 7.7%#27 of 50 | 9.7%#40 of 50 | -2 pts | 7.6% | NJ |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap 0 pts (0%) · US 38.8 | 40#24 of 50 | 40#21 of 50 | 0 pts0% | 38.8 | Even |
High school graduation rate from NCES; life expectancy from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics; median air quality index from EPA AirData (lower is cleaner).
- Hoboken, NJeducation score 95.5
- Lebanon, TNeducation score 97
City education scores blend graduation rate, student-teacher ratio and per-pupil spending (NCES). State education scores combine NAEP math and reading with the graduation rate; health scores combine life expectancy, adult obesity and the uninsured rate. Education: New Jersey #5, Tennessee #8. Health: New Jersey #4, Tennessee #46.
Are more people moving from New Jersey to Tennessee, or from Tennessee to New Jersey?
The Census Bureau's American Community Survey counts 1,129 people (±661) moving from New Jersey to Tennessee and 1,122 (±1,019) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Bars show people (Census ACS, latest release, with 90% margins of error). IRS counts tax-filing households and reports the movers' average income; pairs outside a state's top ten origins and destinations are not published.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households moving inIRSGap -6,135 (-5%) | 107,653#14 of 50 | 113,788#13 of 50 | -6,135-5% | TN |
| Households moving outIRSGap +37,339 (+42%) | 127,023#41 of 50 | 89,684#34 of 50 | +37,339+42% | TN |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -43,474 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +24,104#5 of 50 | -43,474 | TN |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -5.3 | -2.0#44 of 50 | +3.3#4 of 50 | -5.3 | TN |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$22,760 (+29%) | $102,190#4 of 50 | $79,430#24 of 50 | +$22,760+29% | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap +$36,651 (+52%) | $106,727#3 of 50 | $70,076#32 of 50 | +$36,651+52% | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -9.7 | -3.9#45 of 50 | +5.8#5 of 50 | -9.7 | TN |
Each state's total inbound and outbound households and the movers' average income from IRS Statistics of Income; net domestic migration per 1,000 residents from Census Bureau population estimates. Latest releases.
Which is better for retirees, families or remote workers, New Jersey or Tennessee?
New Jersey is the better fit for families and outdoor enthusiasts; Tennessee is the better fit for retirees, remote workers, young professionals, and small business. Each index re-weights the same 11 category scores for one kind of household.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FamiliesGap -10 places | #20score 69.6 | #30score 62.5 | -10 places | NJ |
| RetireesGap +15 places | #43score 52.6 | #28score 60.3 | +15 places | TN |
| Remote WorkersGap +35 places | #49score 29.7 | #14score 59.5 | +35 places | TN |
| Young ProfessionalsGap +27 places | #43score 41.3 | #16score 60 | +27 places | TN |
| Small BusinessGap +38 places | #46score 36.8 | #8score 73.5 | +38 places | TN |
| Outdoor EnthusiastsGap -9 places | #35score 34.3 | #44score 28.8 | -9 places | NJ |
Rank of 50 on each lifestyle index. A state is called ahead when the ranks are at least 4 places apart.
- FamiliesNew Jersey (#20 vs #30)
- RetireesTennessee (#28 vs #43)
- Remote WorkersTennessee (#14 vs #49)
- Young ProfessionalsTennessee (#16 vs #43)
- Small BusinessTennessee (#8 vs #46)
- Outdoor EnthusiastsNew Jersey (#35 vs #44)
Which cities stand out in New Jersey and Tennessee?
New Jersey has 20 tracked cities and Tennessee has 20; the largest are Newark and Nashville. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.
| Best for | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN |
|---|---|---|
| Largest citypopulation | Newark310,178 people | Nashville690,130 people |
| Highest composite scorecomposite score | Hobokenscore 74.2 | Franklinscore 69.5 |
| Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000 | Clifton166 violent per 100K | Brentwood62 violent per 100K |
| Cheapest citycost of living index | Vinelandcost index 96 | Jacksoncost index 85.5 |
| Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20 | Union Citywalkability 15.5 of 20 | Memphiswalkability 11.8 of 20 |
| Cleanest airmedian air quality index, county | New Brunswickcounty median AQI 36 | Clarksvillecounty median AQI 32 |
| Best schoolsgraduation rate, % | Hoboken95.5% graduation rate | Lebanon97% graduation rate |
| Richest citymedian household income | Hobokenmedian income $180,579 | Brentwoodmedian income $182,088 |
| Fastest growingpopulation growth, % | Newark+1.1% growth | Lebanon+5.6% growth |
Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.
How do New Jersey and Tennessee compare on everything else?
State finances, environment, and getting around. New Jersey carries A+ credit rating and Tennessee AAA.
Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable share of electricityGap -6 pts · US 29.34% | 8%#42 of 50 | 14%#30 of 50 | -6 pts | 29.34% | TN |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -8.4 (-34%) · US 29.6 | 16.6#14 of 50 | 25.0#22 of 50 | -8.4-34% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap +0.1 pts · US 17.16% | 7.3%#26 of 50 | 7.2%#27 of 50 | +0.1 pts | 17.16% | Even |
| Mean travel time to workGap +5.4 min · US 25.2 min | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | 26.5 min#33 of 50 | +5.4 min | 25.2 min | TN |
| Commuters using public transitGap +9.2 pts · US 2.29% | 9.7%#2 of 50 | 0.5%#42 of 50 | +9.2 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +0.8 pts · US 12.28% | 13.5%#19 of 50 | 12.7%#24 of 50 | +0.8 pts | 12.28% | NJ |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +2.3 pts · US 92.67% | 94.8%#6 of 50 | 92.5%#29 of 50 | +2.3 pts | 92.67% | NJ |
Renewable share of electricity from the EIA; natural disaster risk from FEMA's National Risk Index; public land share from USGS PAD-US; mean travel time to work, transit and work-from-home shares from the Census Bureau ACS; households with a broadband subscription from the Census Bureau ACS.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -20 pts · US 92.7 | 80#48 of 50 | 100#11 of 50 | -20 pts | 92.7 | TN |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -8 pts · US 12.39% | 5.2%#45 of 50 | 13.2%#15 of 50 | -8 pts | 12.39% | TN |
| Pension funded ratioGap -42 pts · US 74.3% | 55%#47 of 50 | 97%#3 of 50 | -42 pts | 74.3% | TN |
| State debt per capitaGap +$6,710 (+412%) · US $3,506 | $8,340#48 of 50 | $1,630#5 of 50 | +$6,710+412% | $3,506 | TN |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -5.4 pts · US +4.66% | +0.8%#47 of 50 | +6.2%#15 of 50 | -5.4 pts | +4.66% | TN |
Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; New Jersey A+, Tennessee AAA), rainy-day fund and budget balance as a share of spending (Pew, NASBO), pension funded ratio (Pew) and state debt per capita (Census Bureau).
New Jersey vs Tennessee: every metric side by side
Every measure behind the category scores, with each state's rank of 50 and the US figure. New Jersey is ahead on 15 of 51, Tennessee on 28, and 8 are even.
Show all 54 metrics
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | TennesseeTN | GapNJ−TN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationGap +2,233,139 (+31%) · US 6.8 million | 9.5 million#11 of 50 | 7.3 million#15 of 50 | +2,233,139+31% | 6.8 million | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap +$32,297 (+45%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $71,997#40 of 50 | +$32,297+45% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap +1.7 pts · US 3.95% | 5.2%#46 of 50 | 3.5%#16 of 50 | +1.7 pts | 3.95% | TN |
| Population growthGap -0.44 pts · US +0.51% | +0.44%#26 of 50 | +0.88%#9 of 50 | -0.44 pts | +0.51% | Even |
| GDP per capitaGap +$12,627 (+21%) · US $64,333 | $73,820#9 of 50 | $61,193#27 of 50 | +$12,627+21% | $64,333 | NJ |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.4 pts · US +1.91% | +2%#24 of 50 | +2.4%#15 of 50 | -0.4 pts | +1.91% | Even |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -299 (-61%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 492#46 of 50 | -299-61% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -387 (-24%) · US 1,535 | 1,250#12 of 50 | 1,637#33 of 50 | -387-24% | 1,535 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap -5.2 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 90.4%#2 of 50 | -5.2 pts | 85.62% | TN |
| NAEP math score, grade 4Gap +1 · US 237 | 240#10 of 50 | 240#12 of 50 | +1 | 237 | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +6 · US 273 | 282#5 of 50 | 276#19 of 50 | +6 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap +7 · US 214 | 222#3 of 50 | 215#23 of 50 | +7 | 214 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap +7 · US 257 | 266#2 of 50 | 259#20 of 50 | +7 | 257 | Even |
| Life expectancyGap +5.8 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 73.8#44 of 50 | +5.8 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap -9.9 pts · US 34.03% | 27.7%#4 of 50 | 37.6%#43 of 50 | -9.9 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -2 pts · US 7.6% | 7.7%#27 of 50 | 9.7%#40 of 50 | -2 pts | 7.6% | NJ |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$246,245 (+74%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $334,108#23 of 50 | +$246,245+74% | $368,697 | TN |
| Home value change, one yearGap +3.2 pts · US +1.2% | +3.9%#8 of 50 | +0.7%#38 of 50 | +3.2 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$700 (+39%) · US $1,948 | $2,513#45 of 50 | $1,813#28 of 50 | +$700+39% | $1,948 | TN |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap +$82,090 (+96%) · US $100,006 | $167,639#47 of 50 | $85,549#19 of 50 | +$82,090+96% | $100,006 | TN |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +16.9 pts (+18%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 91.9#14 of 50 | +16.9 pts+18% | 100 | TN |
| Home value to income ratioGap +1x (+22%) · US 4.6x | 5.6x#41 of 50 | 4.6x#28 of 50 | +1x+22% | 4.6x | TN |
| Residential electricity priceGap +9.45¢ (+72%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | 13.18¢/kWh#11 of 50 | +9.45¢+72% | 17.84¢/kWh | TN |
| Residential natural gas priceGap +$2.37 (+20%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | $11.84/Mcf#16 of 50 | +$2.37+20% | $15.83/Mcf | TN |
| Gasoline priceGap +$0.12 (+4%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | $3.08/gal#13 of 50 | +$0.12+4% | $3.32/gal | TN |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +10.9 pts (+11%) · US 100 | 107.1#48 of 50 | 96.2#18 of 50 | +10.9 pts+11% | 100 | TN |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$4,051 (+29%) · US $15,633 | $17,977#35 of 50 | $13,926#19 of 50 | +$4,051+29% | $15,633 | TN |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +3.92 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 6.38%#4 of 50 | +3.92 pts | 8.74% | TN |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +11.75 pts · US 5.46% | 11.75%#47 of 50 | none#6 of 50 | +11.75 pts | 5.46% | TN |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +1.75 pts · US 1.02% | 2.33%#50 of 50 | 0.58%#13 of 50 | +1.75 pts | 1.02% | TN |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap -3.01 pts · US 6.66% | 6.6%#21 of 50 | 9.61%#49 of 50 | -3.01 pts | 6.66% | NJ |
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -20 pts · US 92.7 | 80#48 of 50 | 100#11 of 50 | -20 pts | 92.7 | TN |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -8 pts · US 12.39% | 5.2%#45 of 50 | 13.2%#15 of 50 | -8 pts | 12.39% | TN |
| Pension funded ratioGap -42 pts · US 74.3% | 55%#47 of 50 | 97%#3 of 50 | -42 pts | 74.3% | TN |
| State debt per capitaGap +$6,710 (+412%) · US $3,506 | $8,340#48 of 50 | $1,630#5 of 50 | +$6,710+412% | $3,506 | TN |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -5.4 pts · US +4.66% | +0.8%#47 of 50 | +6.2%#15 of 50 | -5.4 pts | +4.66% | TN |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap 0 pts (0%) · US 38.8 | 40#24 of 50 | 40#21 of 50 | 0 pts0% | 38.8 | Even |
| Renewable share of electricityGap -6 pts · US 29.34% | 8%#42 of 50 | 14%#30 of 50 | -6 pts | 29.34% | TN |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -8.4 (-34%) · US 29.6 | 16.6#14 of 50 | 25.0#22 of 50 | -8.4-34% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap +0.1 pts · US 17.16% | 7.3%#26 of 50 | 7.2%#27 of 50 | +0.1 pts | 17.16% | Even |
| Mean travel time to workGap +5.4 min · US 25.2 min | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | 26.5 min#33 of 50 | +5.4 min | 25.2 min | TN |
| Commuters using public transitGap +9.2 pts · US 2.29% | 9.7%#2 of 50 | 0.5%#42 of 50 | +9.2 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +0.8 pts · US 12.28% | 13.5%#19 of 50 | 12.7%#24 of 50 | +0.8 pts | 12.28% | NJ |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +2.3 pts · US 92.67% | 94.8%#6 of 50 | 92.5%#29 of 50 | +2.3 pts | 92.67% | NJ |
| Households moving inIRSGap -6,135 (-5%) · US 78,682 | 107,653#14 of 50 | 113,788#13 of 50 | -6,135-5% | 78,682 | TN |
| Households moving outIRSGap +37,339 (+42%) · US 78,715 | 127,023#41 of 50 | 89,684#34 of 50 | +37,339+42% | 78,715 | TN |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -43,474 · US -33 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +24,104#5 of 50 | -43,474 | -33 | TN |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -5.3 · US +0.4 | -2.0#44 of 50 | +3.3#4 of 50 | -5.3 | +0.4 | TN |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$22,760 (+29%) · US $77,690 | $102,190#4 of 50 | $79,430#24 of 50 | +$22,760+29% | $77,690 | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap +$36,651 (+52%) · US $77,024 | $106,727#3 of 50 | $70,076#32 of 50 | +$36,651+52% | $77,024 | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -9.7 · US +1.1 | -3.9#45 of 50 | +5.8#5 of 50 | -9.7 | +1.1 | TN |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap -$38,145 · US -$11,758 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | -$5,659#18 of 50 | -$38,145 | -$11,758 | TN |
| Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap -$19,581 · US +$31,418 | +$16,327#47 of 50 | +$35,908#11 of 50 | -$19,581 | +$31,418 | TN |
| Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap -$21,459 · US +$35,970 | +$18,501#47 of 50 | +$39,960#14 of 50 | -$21,459 | +$35,970 | TN |
Every metric in the registry, direction-aware: ahead means better for a resident. Ranks are among the states with data. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.
Key takeaways
What the New Jersey and Tennessee numbers say when read together.
Tennessee ranks higher overall
Tennessee leads 5 of the 11 categories to New Jersey's 5, with 1 even; New Jersey is ahead on health and safety. Across all 51 measures with data on both sides, New Jersey is ahead on 15 and Tennessee on 28.
Tennessee is cheaper day to day
Tennessee's cost of living index is 91.9 against 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). The typical home costs $580,353 in New Jersey and $334,108 in Tennessee. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$43,804 a year after typical costs in New Jersey and -$5,659 in Tennessee.
Tennessee takes a smaller share in taxes
New Jersey collects 10.3% of income in state and local taxes (high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack); Tennessee collects 6.38% (no income tax, low property tax, high sales tax).
New Jersey pays more and is safer
Median household income is $104,294 in New Jersey and $71,997 in Tennessee, with unemployment at 5.2% and 3.5%. Violent crime runs 194 per 100,000 residents in New Jersey and 492 in Tennessee.
Moves between the two run about even
1,129 people moved from New Jersey to Tennessee and 1,122 the other way, a gap inside the survey's margin of error.
New Jersey for families, Tennessee for retirees
For families, New Jersey ranks #20 of 50 and Tennessee #30; for retirees, New Jersey ranks #43 and Tennessee #28.
New Jersey vs Tennessee: frequently asked questions
Is New Jersey or Tennessee better to live in?
New Jersey ranks #28 of 50 overall and Tennessee #24 as of the latest release. Tennessee is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 91.9 vs 108.8), has no income tax, and has a 61% higher violent crime rate. Tennessee scores higher overall, leading 5 of 11 categories to 5.
Is New Jersey cheaper than Tennessee?
Tennessee is cheaper than New Jersey: cost of living index 91.9 vs 108.8 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have -$43,804 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in New Jersey, and -$5,659 in Tennessee. The typical home value is $580,353 in New Jersey and $334,108 in Tennessee.
Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or Tennessee?
Tennessee has the lower tax burden: 6.38% of income in state and local taxes vs 10.3% in New Jersey. New Jersey's top income tax rate is 11.75%, its effective property tax rate 2.33% and its combined sales tax 6.6%; Tennessee's are zero, 0.58% and 9.61%.
Is New Jersey safer than Tennessee?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 492 in Tennessee, per the FBI. New Jersey ranks #6 of 50 for violent crime and Tennessee #46. Property crime is 1,250 per 100,000 in New Jersey and 1,637 in Tennessee. The safest tracked cities are Clifton, NJ, and Brentwood, TN.
Are homes more expensive in New Jersey or Tennessee?
Homes are 74% more expensive in New Jersey: the typical home value is $580,353 in New Jersey and $334,108 in Tennessee. Buying the typical home takes about $167,639 of household income in New Jersey and $85,549 in Tennessee, against median incomes of $104,294 and $71,997.
Do people earn more in New Jersey or Tennessee?
New Jersey pays more: median household income is $104,294 vs $71,997 in Tennessee, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 5.2% in New Jersey and 3.5% in Tennessee.
Are more people moving from New Jersey to Tennessee or from Tennessee to New Jersey?
The Census Bureau's American Community Survey counts 1,129 people (±661) moving from New Jersey to Tennessee and 1,122 (±1,019) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Which is better for retirees, New Jersey or Tennessee?
Tennessee is the better fit for retirees: #28 of 50 on the retiree index vs #43 for New Jersey. New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack; Tennessee has no income tax, low property tax, high sales tax. A retiree couple on $75,000 would have +$18,501 left after typical costs in New Jersey and +$39,960 in Tennessee.
Which is better for families, New Jersey or Tennessee?
New Jersey is the better fit for families: #20 of 50 on the families index vs #30 for Tennessee. Center-based infant care costs $17,977 a year in New Jersey and $13,926 in Tennessee. High school graduation rates are 85.2% and 90.4%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$43,804 after typical costs in New Jersey and -$5,659 in Tennessee.
Is Tennessee better than New Jersey?
Yes: Tennessee ranks higher than New Jersey overall, #24 of 50 vs #28, with a composite score of 57.1 to 55. Tennessee leads 5 of 11 categories and New Jersey leads 5, including health and safety. Which is better for you depends on how you weigh cost, safety, schools, taxes and pay.
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Why this pair is featured: most-searched matchup.