Tennessee Cost of Living 2026

Here is how Tennessee compares to the national average across major spending categories. An index above 100 means the category is more expensive than average, while below 100 means it is more affordable.

Key Takeaways for Tennessee

• Housing (79.2): Housing costs are well below the national average, making Tennessee one of the more affordable states for housing.
• Groceries (95.6): Grocery prices are close to the national average with minimal impact on your budget.
• Transportation (94.8): Transportation costs are below the national average.
• Healthcare (92.4): Healthcare costs are below the national average, which can be a significant advantage for families and retirees.
• Utilities (96.2): Utility costs are near the national average.

Biggest Factor in Tennessee

The most expensive category in Tennessee relative to national averages is Utilities at an index of 96.2, while the most affordable is Housing at 79.2. The low housing costs are a major advantage for Tennessee residents, allowing for more disposable income compared to high-cost states.