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 91.9) to Knoxville (97.7), with a statewide average around 95.2 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Bristol at $842/mo and highest in Brentwood at $2,825/mo.
Tennessee at a Glance
Cities Tracked
28
with census data
Avg Cost Index
95.2
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,414
per month
Avg Household Income
$82,713
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memphis | 91.9 |
| 2 | Chattanooga | 92.3 |
| 3 | Murfreesboro | 97.0 |
| 4 | Franklin | 97.0 |
| 5 | Knoxville | 97.7 |
Most Expensive
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knoxville | 97.7 |
| 2 | Murfreesboro | 97.0 |
| 3 | Franklin | 97.0 |
| 4 | Chattanooga | 92.3 |
| 5 | Memphis | 91.9 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Popular Cities in Tennessee
Explore Tennessee Cities in Depth
Climate & Weather in Tennessee
Healthcare & Hospitals in Tennessee
Neighborhoods in Tennessee
Jobs & Industries in Tennessee
Tennessee Cities — Full Table
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| Nashville-Davidson | 690,130 | — | $1,586 | $413,600 | $77,371 |
| Memphis | 618,980 | 91.9 | $1,181 | $169,000 | $51,736 |
| Knoxville | 195,185 | 97.7 | $1,191 | $239,700 | $54,039 |
| Chattanooga | 185,783 | 92.3 | $1,256 | $283,200 | $64,523 |
| Clarksville | 176,456 | — | $1,307 | $263,600 | $69,303 |
| Murfreesboro | 161,445 | 97.0 | $1,481 | $402,100 | $80,108 |
| Franklin | 87,133 | 97.0 | $1,923 | $705,400 | $119,528 |
| Johnson City | 72,222 | — | $1,023 | $268,200 | $57,254 |
| Jackson | 68,435 | — | $1,145 | $217,800 | $53,032 |
| Hendersonville | 63,091 | — | $1,653 | $430,700 | $97,200 |
| Bartlett | 56,876 | — | $1,638 | $310,400 | $102,070 |
| Smyrna | 56,692 | — | $1,461 | $358,300 | $81,926 |
| Kingsport | 56,262 | — | $907 | $234,100 | $52,490 |
| Spring Hill | 55,765 | — | $1,844 | $493,800 | $112,013 |
| Collierville | 51,515 | — | $1,691 | $485,900 | $138,598 |
| Cleveland | 48,829 | — | $1,034 | $272,200 | $58,559 |
| Gallatin | 48,532 | — | $1,395 | $372,000 | $77,518 |
| Brentwood | 45,556 | — | $2,825 | $1,031,300 | $182,088 |
| Columbia | 45,441 | — | $1,197 | $308,700 | $63,719 |
| Lebanon | 44,788 | — | $1,306 | $378,400 | $72,848 |
| Mount Juliet | 42,073 | — | $2,011 | $460,100 | $107,068 |
| Germantown | 40,673 | — | $1,816 | $470,800 | $149,920 |
| La Vergne | 40,243 | — | $1,805 | $309,900 | $81,313 |
| Cookeville | 36,088 | — | $917 | $305,400 | $51,375 |
| Oak Ridge | 32,693 | — | $1,131 | $270,200 | $72,311 |
| Maryville | 32,392 | — | $1,157 | $358,100 | $81,963 |
| Morristown | 31,527 | — | $882 | $181,100 | $47,917 |
| Bristol | 27,636 | — | $842 | $194,500 | $58,162 |
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 95.2 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,414/month and median household income averages around $82,713/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 91.9), 2. Chattanooga (index 92.3), 3. Murfreesboro (index 97.0).
What is the median rent in Tennessee?
The average median gross rent across cities in Tennessee is approximately $1,414/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Tennessee?
State income tax information for Tennessee is not yet available in our database.
What is the sales tax in Tennessee?
Sales tax information for Tennessee is not yet available in our database.
Is it expensive to move to Tennessee?
Tennessee has a cost of living index of approximately 95.2 and average median rent around $1,414/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: June 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology