A paycheck only tells part of the story. For truck drivers, the real question is how far that money goes after rent, groceries, and fuel costs. Some states that look great on paper lose their shine once daily expenses are added up. When adjusting for cost of living, drivers in Tennessee, Iowa, Ohio, and Georgia often keep more of their income compared to high-cost states like California or New York.
This analysis merges average pay with affordability metrics, showing where life as a driver truly pays off.
Tennessee: High Retention and No Income Tax
Tennessee drivers earn an average of $51,143 per year. The pay may appear modest next to states offering $60,000 or more, but Tennessee’s lack of a state income tax and housing costs roughly 15 percent below the national average increase take-home earnings significantly.
Major freight routes such as I-40 and I-24 connect Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga with major hubs throughout the Southeast. Drivers can save on fuel due to short-haul regional options and benefit from steady freight volume.
Iowa: Consistent Freight and Low Expenses
In Iowa, average annual driver pay sits around $52,926. The state’s agriculture and manufacturing base keeps freight steady year-round with less seasonal volatility. Housing prices in cities like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids are nearly 20 percent lower than the U.S. average, and fuel costs remain among the lowest in the Midwest.
Consider routes along I-80 that cross Iowa, offering consistent mileage and reduced idle time. Many carriers reward local familiarity with higher mileage bonuses for regional drivers.
Ohio: Freight Density Equals Stable Earnings
With average pay near $53,570 annually, Ohio drivers gain more from living in an affordable state than they might in high-cost freight belts. Centrally located between the Midwest and East Coast, Ohio gives drivers lower empty‑mile percentages and easier backhauls.
Cities like Columbus and Toledo are strong warehouse corridors, providing both short-haul and OTR opportunities with strong fuel and logistics infrastructure.
Georgia: Expanding Port Industry with Affordable Living
Georgia drivers make roughly $47,579 per year, yet their dollar stretches further because household costs average 13 percent below the national median. The Port of Savannah fuels consistent regional shipping volume and last-mile delivery routes, giving both company drivers and owner‑operators a healthy mix of options.
Drivers who prefer a balance between home time and income can be based around Atlanta or Savannah, where freight diversity supports dedicated routes without long OTR absences.
Adjusted Earning Power Comparison
| State | Average Salary | Cost of Living Index* | Effective Take‑Home Value (Est.) |
| Tennessee | $51,143 | 88.2 | $58,000 equivalent |
| Iowa | $52,926 | 89.0 | $59,000 equivalent |
| Ohio | $53,570 | 90.4 | $59,200 equivalent |
| Georgia | $47,579 | 87.5 | $54,400 equivalent |
**Cost of Living Index source: MoneyGeek Cost of Living Calculator and PayScale Cost of Living Index — the U.S. average baseline is set to 100 for comparison.
What This Means for Drivers
The best state for a truck driver isn’t just where the check is largest, but where the expenses are lowest and freight is steady. Drivers in states like Tennessee and Iowa often save thousands more per year after housing, taxes, and fuel are considered than those earning higher nominal wages elsewhere.
For those looking to stretch their earnings, focus on:
- States with no income tax or low housing costs.
- Areas with steady freight corridors to reduce unpaid miles.
- Carrier lanes offering home‑weekly schedules, which cut personal travel and food expenses.
Start Maximizing Your Take-Home Pay
Finding routes that combine stable freight and cost-friendly living can transform a driving career from paycheck‑to‑paycheck to long-term financial security.
Explore open positions tailored to your region and compare pay averages directly at TruckDriversUSA, where every listing helps drivers find the most value for their miles.
