Cost of Living in Tennessee
Tennessee has 28 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Memphis (cost index 91.8) to Columbia (102.4), with a statewide average around 96.4 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Bristol at $764/mo and highest in Brentwood at $2,497/mo.
Tennessee at a Glance
Cities Tracked
28
with census data
Avg Cost Index
96.4
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,331
per month
Avg Household Income
$80,139
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 91.8 | $1,123 |
| Chattanooga | 92.5 | $1,155 |
| Knoxville | 96.1 | $1,116 |
| Murfreesboro | 96.5 | $1,376 |
| Franklin | 96.5 | $1,861 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 102.4 | $1,092 |
| Jackson | 98.5 | $1,094 |
| Murfreesboro | 96.5 | $1,376 |
| Franklin | 96.5 | $1,861 |
| Knoxville | 96.1 | $1,116 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Tennessee
State Income Tax
None
No state income tax on wages
State Sales Tax
7.00%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Tennessee
Tennessee Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Nashville-Davidson | 684,298 | — | $1,486 | $383,100 | $75,197 |
| Memphis | 629,063 | 91.8 | $1,123 | $157,100 | $51,211 |
| Knoxville | 193,721 | 96.1 | $1,116 | $214,000 | $50,994 |
| Chattanooga | 182,832 | 92.5 | $1,155 | $259,200 | $61,028 |
| Clarksville | 171,897 | — | $1,215 | $236,100 | $66,786 |
| Murfreesboro | 157,547 | 96.5 | $1,376 | $365,100 | $76,241 |
| Franklin | 85,575 | 96.5 | $1,861 | $646,300 | $115,000 |
| Johnson City | 71,455 | — | $957 | $238,000 | $55,429 |
| Jackson | 68,098 | 98.5 | $1,094 | $195,000 | $51,552 |
| Hendersonville | 62,390 | — | $1,552 | $396,500 | $91,503 |
| Bartlett | 56,998 | — | $1,658 | $283,700 | $100,660 |
| Kingsport | 55,807 | — | $843 | $203,000 | $50,436 |
| Smyrna | 55,066 | — | $1,366 | $326,700 | $78,409 |
| Spring Hill | 53,585 | — | $1,738 | $452,400 | $106,658 |
| Collierville | 51,212 | — | $1,574 | $458,300 | $134,319 |
| Cleveland | 48,185 | — | $966 | $241,800 | $55,904 |
| Gallatin | 46,667 | — | $1,299 | $343,700 | $73,589 |
| Brentwood | 45,272 | — | $2,497 | $926,700 | $184,720 |
| Columbia | 43,971 | 102.4 | $1,092 | $261,700 | $61,204 |
| Lebanon | 41,951 | — | $1,210 | $359,300 | $71,320 |
| Mount Juliet | 40,828 | — | $1,875 | $423,000 | $107,847 |
| Germantown | 40,812 | — | $1,760 | $441,200 | $144,799 |
| La Vergne | 38,944 | — | $1,714 | $273,700 | $80,418 |
| Cookeville | 35,544 | — | $885 | $263,800 | $48,501 |
| Maryville | 32,196 | — | $1,149 | $310,600 | $79,340 |
| Oak Ridge | 32,088 | — | $1,076 | $233,500 | $71,000 |
| Morristown | 30,983 | — | $855 | $155,700 | $44,811 |
| Bristol | 27,490 | — | $764 | $182,500 | $55,007 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Tennessee cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Tennessee cities stack up across the US. For example, Nashville-Davidson vs Memphis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Tennessee
What is the cost of living in Tennessee?
The average cost of living index across cities in Tennessee is approximately 96.4 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,331/month and median household income averages around $80,139/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Tennessee?
The most affordable cities in Tennessee by cost of living index are: 1. Memphis (index 91.8), 2. Chattanooga (index 92.5), 3. Knoxville (index 96.1).
What is the median rent in Tennessee?
The average median gross rent across cities in Tennessee is approximately $1,331/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Tennessee?
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, making it one of the tax-friendly states for workers. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Tennessee?
Tennessee's statewide sales tax rate is 7.00%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Tennessee?
Tennessee has a cost of living index of approximately 96.4 and average median rent around $1,331/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology