Cost of Living in Tennessee
Tennessee is generally considered an affordable state, with a cost of living that typically sits below the national average. While urban centers like Nashville have seen rapid price increases, the absence of a state income tax remains a significant financial draw for many residents.
Overview text is model-generated; see the note below.
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Monthly Cost Estimate
excluding rent
including 1-bedroom rent
Single person in Tennessee. Totals are the sum of the category ranges below (low ends added together, high ends added together), so a real budget usually falls somewhere in between.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Housing & Rent
$950 – $2,200
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment, ranging from rural areas to Nashville's city center.
Food & Groceries
$400 – $650
Monthly grocery expenses and moderate dining at local restaurants.
Transportation
$300 – $550
Costs for vehicle maintenance, fuel, and limited public transit options.
Utilities
$250 – $450
Basic utilities including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and high-speed internet.
Healthcare
$280 – $600
Typical out-of-pocket costs for premiums and routine doctor visits.
Entertainment
$150 – $400
Gym memberships, live music venues, and recreational activities.
Build your own monthly budget
Starts at the midpoint of each estimate for Tennessee. Type your own amounts to see your total and annual figure. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Estimate: $950 – $2,200
Estimate: $400 – $650
Estimate: $300 – $550
Estimate: $250 – $450
Estimate: $280 – $600
Estimate: $150 – $400
Yearly: $3,590 × 12 = $43,080. Excludes taxes, debt payments, savings, childcare, education, car ownership and one-off costs such as deposits or moving.
New to ranges? Read how to turn these estimates into a personal budget.
Comfortable Living
Estimated monthly spending for a comfortable lifestyle in Tennessee, with regular dining out and leisure:
Including rent • Single person • Excludes income tax and savings • A separate model estimate, not derived from the category totals above
Frequently Asked Questions about Tennessee
The first answer is calculated from the figures on this page. The others are model-generated text; answers that quoted older dollar figures are hidden so they cannot contradict the totals above.