Located in the southeastern area of America, Tennessee borders Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri.
It is in 36th place by large area, and furthermore, it is in 16th place by the population of all U.S states.
The capital, and in the meantime, the largest city of this state is Nashville.
This Volunteer State (as someones say the state of Tennessee) is famous for many diverse attractions such as Elvis Presley’s home and The Smoky Mountains.
Moreover, it is well recognized for lively music festivals, perfect weather, vibrant cities, football attractions, and many more attractions and features that one could visit in a lifetime.
And in the end, this Volunteer State is known for its relatively low cost of living.
Keep reading the post Cost of Living in Tennessee Cities: These Are the Top 5, and you can find all your answers.
Contents
The Cost of Living in This State
Firstly – the regular cost of living in Tennesse is low.
Accordingly, of all US states, Tennessee is in the sixth position for the lowest cost of living.
However, like any other US state, cost of living prices vary across the state.
As usual, prices in small towns and rural areas are more economical than in some famous cities like Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville.
Nevertheless, Tennessee is quite reasonable compared to most of the country.
Let’s go through this comprehensive guide for every individual cost of living here.
Housing Costs
The main thing you assume about the living cost in any state is its housing/renting prices.
Are homes pretty expensive in the state of Tennessee?
Here it is – these prices are usually the essential things that keep the living cost high.
Do not worry – the regular middle home price is pretty with reasonable prices – not much than $200,000.
Utility Costs
The cost of utilities is one of the few indicators where Tennessee is more expensive than the national norm.
Accordingly, the US reports indicate that the usual monthly bill for energy is more than $150.
Compared to the national standard energy prices, it is around $35 expensive.
With this in mind, there is no shock that monthly utility prices are even higher in Tennessee’s major cities.
For that instance, in Nashville, the regular monthly bill with electricity, cooling and heating, water, and garbage is $180.
On the other hand, if you need a complete internet program, expect to pay an intermediate expense of $70 per month.
Transportation Costs
The second main expense in our daily lives is – transportation costs.
They are the same as in other states in the U.S.
Tennessee has numerous forms of transport methods for everybody.
Public transit possibilities are available everywhere in Tennesse and definitely, are the lowest costed means of transport here.
Fuel (gasoline -1 liter) is $1.90, and the monthly public transit pass is $45.40, which is a not-so-high price.
Also, the regular car insurance premium in Tennessee is around $1,300, about $300 less than the national average for auto insurance.
Food Costs
Fortunately, the food prices in Tennessee are well below the national standards.
Generally, one adult individual in this state pays roughly $2,890 yearly on food.
This price spent on food is not so high if we know the prices for food in other US states.
Also, restaurant prices are not so overpriced and fancy.
You can eat tasty lunch in a modern restaurant for only $13.
However, this price in some cities like the most expensive ones(Nashville, Memphis, Clarksville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga) can be doubled – from 20$ up.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare expenses in Tennessee are sort of above the national standard prices for healthcare services.
Typically, it depends on which source of coverage and plan choice, but those prices compared to healthcare prices in other cities are not so inexpensive.
Besides, if you are an animal lover, you should know that veterinary costs are also pretty expensive – it costs more than $85.
The Most Expensive Cities in Tennessee
Nashville
Nashville is in the middle of Utah and has the highest population, around two million citizens.
It is famous for its great nightlife, superb colleges, and historical figures such as Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium.
Despite its high cost of living, Nashville is a perfect living location.
Hence, the utility costs are also above the standard norms in this state.
One monthly bill includes all essential things like internet extra and is $400.
There is no doubt that Nashville is one of the most expensive cities in Utah.
Memphis
In this city, the housing costs are 25% below the national standards but still high compared to other cities in this state.
The home price is much lower than in Nashville, and it costs $350,900.
Utility expenses almost match as in the capital city.
And here is what makes Memphis the most expensive city – food prices in supermarkets and restaurants.
A dozen eggs (regular 12) costs $2.80, a gallon of milk is much more than $2.50, and a loaf of fresh bread in the supermarket is from $3 up.
Fast food meal ( for example, McDonald’s Quarter-Pounder with cheese) is around $6.50, compared to $5 as a regular price in this state.
Knoxville
Knoxville is a small town along the Tennessee River, located between the Smokies and the Cumberland Plateau.
It is the third most expensive city for the cost of living in Tennessee.
For a regular visit to the doctor, you will probably pay around $100, for an optometrist visit – $70, and dentist visit – $80.
Other prices like food costs, transportation, etc., are also much higher than the usual prices in the whole state.
Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, the utility bills per month are highly pricey for a state like Tennessee.
However, they are still less expensive compared to the national standards.
Also, like any other large city, transportation expenses are higher too.
Typically, you should expect to pay $4 for a one-way ticket or per monthly pass – $85.
Clarksville
Clarksville is also one of the most expensive cities for living in Tennessee.
Located in the northern area of this state offers its residents pretty costly prices for a regular living.
However, it has many famous attractions, universities, and restaurants, and almost no one is interested in its high cost of living.
Tennessee Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Tennessee Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
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Cost of Living in Maryland Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Rhode Island Cities: These Are the Top 5
Tennessee is my home state and I have lived here all my life so far and I am from Tennessee and born here.
Tennessee seems to be a diverse and vibrant state with many attractions, and also has relatively low cost of living compared to other states.