Zero income tax, affordable healthcare, and rising job market have motivated more than 80,000 people to move to Tennessee. But it’s not that easy for everyone. With a median home price of 325K, Tennessee can be expensive.
Should that stop you from moving to the Volunteer State? Absolutely NOT!
Cities like LaFollette and Rockwood offer several budget-friendly options. While LaFollette offers the cost of living 21.4% lower than the national average, the median home price in Rockwood is $223K.
Whether you’re a retiree or a young professional looking for exciting opportunities, Tennessee has affordable housing for everyone. Let’s explore some of the cheapest places to live in TN!
4 Reasons to live in Tennessee ⭐
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Tennessee is ~$325K but you can get houses between $174 and $414 in cities like Rockwood, Chattanooga, and Murfreesboro.
- Tax Benefits: For the 2024 tax year, Tennessee’s standard monthly deduction amount is $1,964 for a single taxpayer.
- Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare in cities that are listed below is up to 12% lower than the state average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the national average. You can save up to $250 per month in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in Tennessee in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwood | $37,456 | $174,925 | 7,823 | 2.7% | 21% |
| LaFollette | $35,705 | $230,657 | 7,346 | 6.4% | 28.75% |
| Chattanooga | $47,242 | $310,000 | 182,000 | 4.10% | 16.9% |
| Johnson City | $50,437 | $279,495 | 71,278 | 3.50% | 21.58% |
| Clarksville | $58,838 | $309,119 | 171,000 | 4.40% | 13.2% |
| Bartlett | $126,555 | $333,225 | 57,318 | 3.50% | 4.85% |
| Murfreesboro | $66,984 | $414,672 | 158,000 | 2.9% | 12.15% |
| Jackson | $48,058 | $226,204 | 68,264 | 3.20% | 22.9% |
| Kingsport | $48,228 | $243,381 | 56,704 | 3.20% | 20.2% |
| Alcoa | $63,580 | $301,589 | 13,349 | 4.7% | 5.3% |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Tennessee
The annual population growth of 10.9% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to Tennessee. If you’re considering shifting to Tennessee, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Rockwood
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 15%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $174,925 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,200 |
| 🌲 Known For | Rockwood Conservation Area |
Rockwood, located in Tennessee, offers an affordable haven. Its median home price is $174,925, while the median house rent ranges from $975 – $1,600. Even health care and other expenses are 3.2% lower than the national average.
Residents have the opportunity to explore attractions like Roane County Park, which provides serene landscapes for relaxation. While the Rockwood Golf & Country Club and the Brillo Miller Sports Complex cater to those seeking sports activities. Apart from this, the city is home to major companies like Toho Tenax America, Inc. that offers job opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Rockwood, TN: Find your dream home in cheapest cities to live in Tennessee.
2. LaFollette
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 21.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $230,657 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,775 |
| 🌅 Known For | Norris Lake |
Campbell County, LaFollette is highly affordable, featuring a median home price of $230,657. This is significantly lower than Williamson County’s Franklin City which has a home value of $893,245.
LaFollette provides residents with a lot of delightful attractions to explore. You can go on water adventures at Oasis Watersports. Savor locally crafted wines at Chapman Hill Winery or meet up at Tiki Club to enjoy lively social gatherings. Additionally, Peoples Bank of the South and BrightFarms are the top employers in the city.
» Homes For Sale in LaFollette, TN: Search homes in least expensive places to live in TN.
3. Chattanooga
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 10.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $310,000 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,690 |
| 👩🏼💻 Known For | Internet Speed |
Chattanooga offers budget-friendly living with a median rent of $745 – $7,500. With monthly utilities costs being 5% lower than the national average, the city stands out as one of Tennessee’s most inexpensive places to live.
Chattanooga, nicknamed the “Gig City,” boasts the world’s fastest internet at 25 gigabits per second. The Chattanooga Airport offers 24/7 services to 1,000+ destinations worldwide. For job seekers, the city offers major employers like Hudson Companies and Astec that offers many job opportunities.
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4. Johnson City
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 15.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $279,495 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,500 |
| 🍵 Known For | Yee Haw Brewing |
With rental costs being 37% below the national average, Johnson City is one of the most affordable cities to live in Tennessee. The median house rent is $609 – $3,000.
Johnson City is famed for its recreational options, with water skiing and hiking taking the top spots. For enthusiasts seeking breathtaking views, Buffalo Mountain Park, Yee-Haw Brewing, and Tweetsie Trail are some top spots. If you’re seeking employment, consider this city. Major companies like Powell and TPI are headquartered here, providing a variety of career paths.
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5. Clarksville
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 10.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $309,119 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,495 |
| 🎶 Known For | Grand Ole Opry |
Clarksville, “Queen of the Cumberland,” has a cost of living that is 10.9% lower than the national average. The average food expenses are 2% lower than the national average.
Clarksville’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in the US. It is the state’s fifth-largest city, located just 48 miles from Nashville. Apart from this, residents can seek employment from this city due to major employers like Del-Jen and River’s End Trading.
» Homes For Sale in Clarksville, TN: Browse through thousands of properties in this inexpensive city.
6. Bartlett
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 14.2%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $333,225 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $2,025 |
| ⛳ Known For | Stanky Creek Mountain Bike Trails |
The median house rent in Bartlett is between $1,150 – $3,000. This is a fantastic deal in comparison to the rents in Nolensville, which is from $1,200 – $6,500. With an average household income of $94,603, you can comfortably live in this city.
Bartlett is an enticing option for nature lovers. Stanky Creek Mountain Bike Trails is best for biking enthusiasts and Stoneridge Park is for strolls. If you’re looking for a stable career path, this city boasts established companies like TSM and Kele, providing ample job openings.
» Homes For Sale in Bartlett, TN: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Tennessee.
7. Murfreesboro
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $414,672 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $2,099 |
| 🏫 Known For | Floyd Stadium |
Murfreesboro is one of the best places to live in Tennessee. The median home price in Murfreesboro is $414,672. The healthcare expenditure is 16% lower than the average national healthcare expense. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options across the country.
Murfreesboro is famous for landmarks such as Stones River, Nissan Stadium, and the Wat Lao Buddhist Temple. Apart from this, This city is a hub for job seekers, with major employers like Enovate Medical and Backer-Springfield offering a wealth of opportunities.
» Homes For Sale in Murfreesboro, TN: Get yourself a home in best affordable places to live in Tennessee.
8. Jackson
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 19.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $226,204 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,267 |
| 🏫 Known For | Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum |
The median home price in Jackson city is $137,234 less than the national average. It is one of the most affordable cities in Tennessee. Jackson’s transportation costs are also 23.8% lower than the national average. If you prefer renting, the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $825. Moreover, the city is home to renowned Jackson State Community College.
Apart from this, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital is a healthcare provider in the region. Jackson has top employers in city Delta Faucet and Pinnacle Foods that offers job opportunities.
» Homes For Sale in Jackson, TN: Find a home in most affordable place to live in Tennessee.
9. Kingsport
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 20.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $243,381 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,275 |
| 🏫 Known For | Kingsport Carousel & Park |
In Kingsport, the median house rent falls within the range of $625 – $3,300. Housing costs are also 46.1% lower than the national average. The transportation costs are 19.1% lower than the national average. This makes it one of the most affordable places to live.
Apart from this, Eastman Chemical Company and Domtar are top employers in the city. Whether you’re seeking a comfortable home or career prospects, Kingsport has something to offer.
» Homes For Sale in Kingsport, TN: Search homes in one of the cheapest city in Tennessee to live.
10. Alcoa
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 7.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $301,589 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,492 |
| 🏫 Known For | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
With median home price of $301,589 lower than the national average, Alcoa considered to be one of the cheapest locations to live. Houses in Alcoa, TN rent between $800 – $2,500 with a median rent of $1,492.
The utilities costs in Alcoa are 4.5% lower, makes it an affordable option. Apart from this, the city has two major employers such as Downey Oil Company and Hickory Construction.
» Homes For Sale in Alcoa, TN: Find cheap houses in Tennessee to live.
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The Bottom Line
If you want to move to Tennessee, you will find cheap houses for sale in Tennessee under 150K in cities like Clarksville, Bartlett, and Murfreesboro. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other Tennessee cities.
Cities like Murfreesboro and Alcoa have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Tennessee’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes for Sale in TN Under Your Specific Budget
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Tennessee, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest place to live in Tennessee?
The cheapest place to live in Tennessee is Rockwood. It offers affordable healthcare, which is 3.2% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Tennessee: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Tennessee!
Where is the best place to live in Tennessee?
The best place to live in Tennessee is Memphis, followed by Brownsville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Union City, Johnson City, and Nashville.
Is Tennessee the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $325,653. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
