Tennessee
Snapshot
Tennessee retirement guide
Retiring in Tennessee
Tennessee keeps your income tax-free. The cost is hot, humid summers and a real tornado season. You get lakes, mountains, and the most-visited national park in the country.
Could fit
You want to keep your full income with no state income tax, and you like having mountains, lakes, and live music close by.
Look closely at
Heat, humidity, spring tornadoes, or storm risk could become recurring planning stress.
Cost of living
$4,600/mo
Using the same $5,000 national monthly example, Tennessee comes out near $4,600 a month.
#14 of 50 for lowest everyday cost, using the same BEA index shown here.
Tennessee runs about 8% below the national average on everyday prices.
Cost of recreation
103
Our index of how Tennessee's estimated annual hobby costs compare with the rest of the country.
#22 of 50 for lower estimated recreation cost, using the same hobby-cost model shown here.
Tennessee's modeled hobby costs run about 3% above the national average. The modeled average is about $2,214 a year across the activity basket.
Est. Our own measure from 8 modeled hobbies. It uses published state fees where we have them, then adds recurring hobby assumptions like gear, trips, memberships, and upkeep. 100 = national average.
How the plan models Tennessee
The state lines the calculator actually changes.
Start here for the whole state picture. The quick math sits beside the things that change daily life: taxes, home costs, care costs, towns, weather, and what Tennessee actually feels like.
Tax and Medicare
Check the Tennessee income picture.
Estimate how Tennessee treats Social Security, pension income, IRA/401(k) withdrawals, city income tax, and Medicare premium tiers before you build the full journey.
Social Security
Not taxed
Pension
Not taxed
IRA / 401(k)
Not taxed
Cost of living
$4,600/mo
Using the same $5,000 national monthly example, Tennessee prices translate to about $4,600 a month.
BEA Regional Price ParitiesState income tax
None
Tennessee has no broad state income tax, but property tax, insurance, sales tax, vehicle costs, and local prices still belong in the plan. AARP lists Tennessee among states that do not tax IRA and 401(k) distributions in the summary used here.
Tax FoundationSocial Security
Not taxed
Tennessee does not tax Social Security benefits under the current state-tax summary used here.
AARP / IRS Pub. 915Property tax
0.7%
Property tax is local, but the Tennessee state-level planning rate used here is 0.7% of home value. On a $350,000 home, that is about $2,300 a year before county detail.
Tax FoundationSales tax
9.6%
Tax Foundation puts Tennessee's 2026 average combined state and local sales tax near 9.6%, ranked 2 among states in that table.
Tax FoundationVehicle costs
Registration line
Vehicle costs still belong in the budget, but the vehicle-tax source used here does not flag Tennessee as a state where value-based vehicle property tax is the main planning issue.
FreeTaxUSA vehicle-tax guideTennessee tax note
Tennessee has no broad personal income tax after the Hall income tax repeal for tax periods beginning January 1, 2021, or later. Sales tax, property costs, and local housing still stay in the plan.
Long-term care in Tennessee
The care cliff, in Tennessee dollars.
CareScout and Genworth 2025 median costs, compared with the national median. Long-term care is a separate planning layer from ordinary Medicare costs.
Assisted living
$5,845/mo
About $70,140 a year, 6% lower than the national median.
Nursing home (semi-private)
$9,429/mo
About $113,150 a year, about the same as the national median.
Home caregiver
$5,911/mo
About $70,928 a year, 11% lower than the national median.
Activities & recreation in Tennessee
What there is to do, with the sources.
How the things people retire for actually look in Tennessee. Each links to the full activity guide.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency licenses fishing on more than 19,000 miles of streams, rivers, and 35 major lakes and reservoirs across the state. Reelfoot Lake in the northwest, Dale Hollow Reservoir, and the Tennessee River impoundments are well-known for crappie, bass, and catfish. Residents 65 and older who have held a license for at least 25 consecutive years pay no fee for an annual license.
Estimated annual hobby cost
One resident annual license, plus tackle, bait, simple access trips, and replacement gear.
No state-published fee is attached to this activity, so the estimate uses the recurring-cost assumption only.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country, offers paved accessible trails at Clingmans Dome and Laurel Falls alongside hundreds of miles of backcountry paths. Tennessee State Parks maintain paved walking loops and interpretive trails at dozens of facilities accessible to visitors of varying fitness levels.
Estimated annual hobby cost
12 trail or park visits per year, plus footwear, basic gear, parking, and local travel.
Published input
Tennessee State Parks have no entrance fee; access to all 62 state parks is free
Tennessee State Parks - Frequently Asked Questions · as of 2026-06The Tennessee Valley Authority manages 49 reservoirs across Tennessee with public boat ramps, marinas, and day-use areas. Cherokee Lake, Douglas Lake, Norris Lake, and Pickwick Landing State Park draw power boaters, anglers, and paddlers, and TVA publishes a free map of all public recreation areas on its reservoir system.
Estimated annual hobby cost
A modest owned boat, including registration, insurance, storage, maintenance, fuel, and basic upkeep.
No state-published fee is attached to this activity, so the estimate uses the recurring-cost assumption only.
Where to go
Nashville Metro Parks operates several public golf facilities including Harpeth Hills Golf Course, set within Percy Warner Park. A Senior annual membership is available at $600 per year, and regular green fees at Metro courses are among the more affordable options in the region. Tennessee's mild climate allows golf from late February through November in most years.
Estimated annual hobby cost
24 public rounds per year, plus equipment refresh, range balls, carts, and other course extras.
Published input
Weekday 18-hole greens fee at Shelby Golf Course (municipal, Nashville); rates vary by season and tee time
Published range: $34 to $44.
Nashville Metro Parks - Shelby Golf Course · as of 2025-04The University of Tennessee Extension Master Gardener program trains volunteers in all 95 Tennessee counties to provide community horticulture education. Tennessee's growing season spans from April through October in most areas, and the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens in Nashville and the Memphis Botanic Garden offer inspiration and public programs year-round.
Estimated annual hobby cost
Seeds, soil, tools, replacement plants, water, and a modest home or community-garden setup.
No state-published fee is attached to this activity, so the estimate uses the recurring-cost assumption only.
Where to go
Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga all have dedicated pickleball courts at public parks and recreation centers, with the Nashville Pickleball Club among the more active in the state. Many county parks departments throughout Tennessee have converted underused tennis courts for pickleball play to meet rising demand.
Estimated annual hobby cost
30 court visits per year, plus paddle replacement, balls, league fees, and small club costs.
Published input
Open play drop-in at Centennial Sportsplex dedicated pickleball courts (Nashville); quick-start area $5/hr/court
Published range: $5 to $10.
Nashville.gov - Centennial Sportsplex Pickleball · as of 2026-03Where to go
Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Frist Art Museum, and Tennessee Performing Arts Center serve as anchors of a vibrant cultural calendar. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt University offers noncredit courses in arts, music, history, and more for adults 50 and older, and Memphis hosts the Brooks Museum of Art and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Estimated annual hobby cost
8 museum, theater, or cultural visits per year, plus a modest membership or ticket budget.
Published input
Admission to the Tennessee State Museum is free for all visitors
Tennessee State Museum - Plan Your Visit · as of 2026-06Where to go
The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability coordinates nine Area Agencies on Aging that fund senior centers, nutrition sites, in-home support, and volunteer programs statewide. The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs are active across the state, and many counties host Senior Games events each spring drawing hundreds of older adult participants.
Estimated annual hobby cost
Senior-center, club, class, trip, or program costs beyond any published membership fee.
Published input
YMCA of Middle Tennessee senior individual monthly membership (age 65+); plus one-time $75 joining fee
YMCA of Middle Tennessee - Join · as of 2026-03Where to go
Things to do in Tennessee
What a week can look like.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smokies are the most-visited national park in the country. You get mountain views, waterfalls, and trails that run from short and flat to steep. Scenic drives and overlooks let you take it in without a long hike.
National Park ServiceLakes and water recreation
Tennessee is full of reservoirs and lakes, with fishing, boating, and lakeside towns that draw retirees. State parks along the water add easy trails and picnic areas.
Music and city life in Nashville and Memphis
Nashville and Memphis bring live music, museums, and a deep food scene. Smaller cities like Knoxville and Chattanooga have their own pull. Most venues and events are an easy day or evening out.
What to know about Tennessee
What can change the month.
No state income tax
Tennessee has no state income tax. Your Social Security, pension, and retirement withdrawals go untaxed by the state. The sales tax runs high, though, which eats into part of what you save.
AARPTornadoes and severe storms
Tennessee gets tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. The busy stretch is spring, with a second uptick in late fall. A safe room or basement plan and a weather radio are worth having.
A property tax freeze for some seniors
Tennessee runs a property tax freeze for homeowners 65 and older who meet local income limits. It can hold the tax on your home steady year to year. Not every county takes part, and you have to apply and qualify.
Tennessee Comptroller of the TreasuryThings to do in Tennessee
What there is to do across Tennessee.
12 tracked categories across Tennessee. Each card opens the search filtered to that activity.
Golf
Public, resort, and municipal courses near retirement towns.
89 places tracked
Fishing
Boat ramps, piers, lakes, and shore access.
995 places tracked
Hiking trails
Named trails, parks, and nature reserves for a real walk.
109 places tracked
Boating and water
Marinas, ramps, and launches for getting on the water.
50 places tracked
Pickleball
Courts and public places to play.
70 places tracked
Gardening
Community gardens, botanical gardens, and places to dig in.
14 places tracked
Arts and culture
Museums, galleries, theaters, and cultural stops.
215 places tracked
Community
Senior centers, community centers, and places to meet people.
99 places tracked
Birding
Top-rated birding hotspots from the eBird community.
986 places tracked
Dog parks
Off-leash parks for the four-legged member of the household.
36 places tracked
Camping & RV
Federal campgrounds, RV parks, dispersed sites, and horse-friendly camps.
21 places tracked
Wildlife & scenic
Wildlife and whale viewing, scenic drives, hot springs, stargazing spots.
11 places tracked
Retirement towns in Tennessee
Towns we have mapped in Tennessee.
Weighing two states?
Put Tennessee next to another state.
Compare cost of living, taxes, Social Security treatment, property and sales tax, and long-term-care costs side by side.
Common questions
Retiring in Tennessee, answered.
Does Tennessee tax retirement income?
Tennessee does not tax Social Security benefits under the current state-tax summary used here. AARP lists Tennessee among states that do not tax IRA and 401(k) distributions in the summary used here. Tennessee has no broad state income tax, but property tax, insurance, sales tax, vehicle costs, and local prices still belong in the plan.
AARP: how states tax retirement incomeIs Tennessee cheaper or more expensive than average?
BEA regional price parities put Tennessee about 8.1% below the U.S. average cost level. That price level is the first reason a national retirement number needs a Tennessee translation.
BEA Regional Price ParitiesWhat does long-term care cost in Tennessee?
In the CareScout and Genworth 2025 medians, Tennessee assisted living runs about $70,140 a year (6% lower than the national median) and a semi-private nursing-home room about $113,150 a year (about the same as the national median).
CareScout / Genworth Cost of CareWhich towns in Tennessee have a retirement guide?
Tennessee has 4 researched town guides: Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville. Each one breaks down local costs, services, and things to do.
Does Tennessee tax retirement income?
No. Tennessee has no state income tax, so your Social Security, pension, and retirement account withdrawals stay untaxed. The state leans on a high sales tax instead.
AARPSources
Build the full map
See what Tennessee does to your retirement plan.
Enter your real spending, income, home, and dreams. The planner applies the Tennessee tax and cost assumptions for you, then shows the years the money has to last.
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