| Index | Johnson City | Tennessee | National |
| Cost of living | 95 | 92 | 100 |
| Groceries | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 90 | 80 | 100 |
| Transportation | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Utilities | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 101 | 97 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Johnson City can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Johnson City cost of living index is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The cost of living in Johnson City 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.
The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 16 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Johnson City. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 38% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 63% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.
Is Johnson City 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 Johnson City is 6.5% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 18% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Johnson City has a median household income of $61,646, which is 24.2% 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 Johnson City, healthcare costs are 2.1% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Johnson City, the utilities index is 3.2% lower than the national average.
Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Johnson City, is 9.9% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Johnson City are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $100,995 | $8,416 | $2,356 | $3,030 |
| Renters | $40,387 | $3,366 | $942 | $1,212 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Tennessee | 7% | 9.75% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Tennessee | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Telford, TN | 1,019 | 82 | 17.9% |
| Banner Hill, TN | 1,450 | 85 | 15.0% |
| Fall Branch, TN | 1,206 | 87 | 12.5% |
| Bluff City, TN | 2,140 | 87 | 12.9% |
| Erwin, TN | 6,103 | 88 | 12.0% |
| Johnson City, TN | 69,135 | 95 | 5.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Mount Vernon, NY | 69,130 | 133 | 33.3% |
| Rocklin, CA | 69,145 | 156 | 55.7% |
| Muncie, IN | 69,215 | 81 | 18.5% |
| Conway, AR | 69,234 | 95 | 4.7% |
| Alpharetta, GA | 69,031 | 135 | 35.5% |
| Johnson City, TN | 69,135 | 95 | 5.0% |
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