A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
20%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Jackson Tennessee National
Cost of living8989100
Goods & Services9494100
Groceries9798100
Health care8788100
Housing8080100
Transportation8989100
Utilities8693100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Jackson, TN

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Jackson? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Jackson stands at 89, making it 11% 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.

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

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 13 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Jackson. The feedback revealed that 62% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 38% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Jackson Affordable?

Is Jackson affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Jackson, the median home price is 24.8% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 7.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Jackson boasting a median household income of $42,549, 23.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jackson?

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Jackson, the transportation index is 10.9% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Jackson, healthcare costs are 13.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Jackson, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Jackson is 1% lower than the Tennessee average
  • The cost of living in Jackson is 11% lower than the national average
  • Jackson housing is 20% 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 Jackson

See all the best places to live around Jackson

Compare Jackson, TN Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$62,883$5,240$1,467$1,887
      Renters$25,882$2,157$604$777
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Jackson, TN, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Jackson have a median income of $62,883. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,467 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $25,882, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $604.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Jackson National avg. Difference
      Haircut $24.01$24.261.0%
      Beauty Salon $33.55$45.5626.4%
      Toothpaste $3.74$3.701.1%
      Shampoo $1.08$1.2815.9%
      Movie $11.93$12.131.7%
      Bowling $12.50$18.0030.6%

      Groceries

      Item Jackson National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.94$5.841.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.67$1.576.2%
      Milk $4.54$4.672.8%
      Potatoes $5.03$4.931.9%
      Pizza $12.00$12.090.7%
      Beer $9.74$10.416.5%

      Health Care

      Item Jackson National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $127.08$125.681.1%
      Doctor $138.39$135.781.9%
      Dentist $86.67$113.2923.5%
      Ibuprofen $10.10$10.655.2%
      Lipitor $338.33$468.6027.8%

      Housing

      Item Jackson National avg. Difference
      Home Price $138,900.00$184,700.0024.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,691.70$2,346.6927.9%
      Apartment Rent $878.00$949.007.5%

      Transportation

      Item Jackson National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.15$3.469.0%
      Tire Balancing $50.50$59.9215.7%

      Utilities

      Item Jackson National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $148.29$193.9923.6%
      Phone $192.18$192.250.0%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Humboldt, TN8,1458019.8%
      Henderson, TN6,3238218.0%
      Gadsden, TN4908218.0%
      Medon, TN2608416.2%
      Three Way, TN1,626937.2%
      Jackson, TN67,0368911.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rocklin, CA67,07015353.0%
      Lehi, UT66,98012727.3%
      Victoria, TX66,974937.1%
      Johnson City, TN66,934973.3%
      South San Francisco, CA66,878212112.4%
      Jackson, TN67,0368911.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.