A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
11%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Cookeville Tennessee National
Cost of living9492100
Groceries9798100
Health care9797100
Housing8980100
Transportation9597100
Utilities9698100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9497100
Household Items10098100
Education & Childcare9797100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Cookeville, TN

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Cookeville? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Cookeville stands at 94, making it 6% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Cookeville is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Cookeville?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 7 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Cookeville and this is how they responded. 29% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 71% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Cookeville Affordable?

Is Cookeville an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Cookeville is 6.6% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 22.7% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Cookeville has a median household income of $60,434, which is 25.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Cookeville?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Cookeville, the housing index is 11.5% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Cookeville, the healthcare costs are 3.5% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Cookeville comes in at 3.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Cookeville cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Cookeville is 2% higher than the Tennessee average
  • The cost of living in Cookeville is 6% lower than the national average
  • Cookeville housing is 11% lower than the national average
  • Tennessee general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Tennessee state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Cookeville

See all the best places to live around Cookeville

Compare Cookeville, TN Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$100,886$8,407$2,354$3,027
      Renters$40,487$3,374$945$1,215
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Cookeville, TN, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Cookeville homeowners, is $100,886. This would allow for a maximum of $2,354 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $40,487 which would result in a maximum of $945 to be spent on rental costs.

      Tennessee Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Tennessee 7% 9.75%

      Tennessee Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Tennessee 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gainesboro, TN1,0108514.7%
      Monterey, TN2,9278812.5%
      Baxter, TN1,5798811.9%
      Sparta, TN5,1178910.6%
      Algood, TN4,555909.8%
      Cookeville, TN34,916946.0%

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      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      San Luis, AZ34,910928.1%
      Cottonwood Heights, UT34,93913030.1%
      Dana Point, CA34,877207106.9%
      Glendale Heights, IL34,9611076.6%
      Sorel-Tracy, QC34,850n/a 
      Cookeville, TN34,916946.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.