Cheapest Places to Live in Tennessee

Tennessee, with its vibrant music scene, rich history, and diverse landscapes, offers a range of living experiences. Landmarks such as Graceland, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Grand Ole Opry highlight the state's attractions. The state's economy is robust and diverse, driven by sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. Tennessee's tax structure is quite favorable, with no state income tax and relatively low property taxes, enhancing the overall affordability for residents. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Tennessee remains one of the more affordable states in the southeastern region, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and favorable tax policies makes Tennessee an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in Tennessee can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Tennessee include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its cultural richness and economic opportunities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

La Follette Population: 6,762 10% cheaper than Tennessee average

Med. Home Value: $86,500 Med. Rent: $671 Med. Household Inc.: $36,506

With a cost of living index that is 10% cheaper than the state average, La Follette is the cheapest place to live in Tennessee. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, La Follette provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Humboldt Population: 8,145 10% cheaper than Tennessee average

Med. Home Value: $84,600 Med. Rent: $657 Med. Household Inc.: $31,995

The second most affordable city in Tennessee is Humboldt and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 10% cheaper than the Tennessee average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Brownsville Population: 9,497 10% cheaper than Tennessee average

Med. Home Value: $91,100 Med. Rent: $635 Med. Household Inc.: $35,160

Brownsville lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Tennessee, with a cost of living that is 10% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Rockwood Population: 5,446 9% cheaper than Tennessee average

Med. Home Value: $95,800 Med. Rent: $645 Med. Household Inc.: $35,607

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Rockwood offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Harriman Population: 6,144 9% cheaper than Tennessee average

Med. Home Value: $105,600 Med. Rent: $549 Med. Household Inc.: $36,487

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Harriman is ideal, with a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Tennessee average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Ripley Population: 7,852 9% cheaper than Tennessee average

Med. Home Value: $92,200 Med. Rent: $682 Med. Household Inc.: $34,813

Ripley comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Tennessee and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than Tennessee. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Dayton Population: 7,357 9% cheaper than Tennessee average

Med. Home Value: $99,300 Med. Rent: $629 Med. Household Inc.: $35,436

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Dayton is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Newport Population: 6,865 9% cheaper than Tennessee average

Med. Home Value: $93,400 Med. Rent: $661 Med. Household Inc.: $32,892

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Newport fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than Tennessee.

Henderson Population: 6,323 8% cheaper than Tennessee average

Med. Home Value: $95,200 Med. Rent: $712 Med. Household Inc.: $42,722

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Henderson is one of the most affordable cities in Tennessee, and has a cost of living that is 8% cheaper than the state average.

Bolivar Population: 5,005 8% cheaper than Tennessee average

Med. Home Value: $97,700 Med. Rent: $690 Med. Household Inc.: $32,174

With a cost of living that is 8% cheaper than Tennessee, Bolivar comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Tennessee. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Tennessee

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	La Follette	6,762	80	$86,500	$36,506
2	Humboldt	8,145	80	$84,600	$31,995
3	Brownsville	9,497	81	$91,100	$35,160
4	Rockwood	5,446	81	$95,800	$35,607
5	Harriman	6,144	81	$105,600	$36,487
6	Ripley	7,852	81	$92,200	$34,813
7	Dayton	7,357	81	$99,300	$35,436
8	Newport	6,865	82	$93,400	$32,892
9	Henderson	6,323	82	$95,200	$42,722
10	Bolivar	5,005	82	$97,700	$32,174
11	Paris	10,021	82	$98,700	$33,405
12	Milan	7,642	82	$101,600	$43,300
13	Union City	10,426	82	$107,200	$31,123
14	McKenzie	5,517	82	$99,900	$37,401
15	Sweetwater	5,894	83	$121,400	$38,510
16	Savannah	6,934	83	$115,000	$37,544
17	Bloomingdale	9,428	83	$109,400	$43,864
18	McMinnville	13,707	84	$105,900	$36,337
19	Dunlap	5,159	85	$117,700	$37,880
20	Loudon	5,829	85	$116,800	$46,148
21	Morristown	29,887	85	$119,500	$33,511
22	Pulaski	7,614	85	$105,200	$38,750
23	Covington	8,863	85	$113,800	$34,208
24	Lexington	7,838	85	$128,200	$33,337
25	Lawrenceburg	10,925	85	$109,600	$31,573
26	Martin	10,585	85	$130,600	$33,030
27	Dyersburg	16,371	86	$131,200	$41,724
28	Lafayette	5,239	86	$115,800	$33,133
29	Jefferson City	8,220	86	$133,800	$43,158
30	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$30,093
31	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$54,588
32	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$60,304
33	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$39,603
34	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$32,973
35	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$49,911
36	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$41,864
37	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$68,405
38	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$41,580
39	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$40,518
40	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$82,462
41	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$30,027
42	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$119,571
43	Memphis	650,910	86	$107,100	$37,738
44	Bristol	26,973	87	$135,800	$42,067
45	Manchester	10,896	87	$138,200	$49,389
46	Greeneville	14,938	87	$147,200	$41,020
47	Hartsville (Trousdale County)	7,970	87	$129,100	$47,667
48	Eagleton Village	5,809	87	$131,600	$55,313
49	Church Hill	6,664	88	$144,600	$58,600
50	Lewisburg	12,150	88	$119,300	$41,988

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Tennessee, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.