A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
31%
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 Morristown Tennessee National
Cost of living8992100
Groceries9798100
Health care9697100
Housing6980100
Transportation10097100
Utilities9798100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9597100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare9797100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Morristown, TN

Knowing the cost of living in Morristown allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Morristown stands at 89, marking it 11% lower than the national average.

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

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 5 residents in Morristown to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 20% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 80% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Morristown Affordable?

Is Morristown 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 Morristown is 33.5% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 24% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Morristown has a median household income of $48,963, which is 39.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Morristown?

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

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 Morristown comes in at 2.9% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Morristown starts at 7% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Where is the Data From?

The Morristown cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Morristown is 4% lower than the Tennessee average
  • The cost of living in Morristown is 11% lower than the national average
  • Morristown housing is 31% 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 Morristown

See all the best places to live around Morristown

Compare Morristown, TN Cost of Living

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      Utilities 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$72,026$6,002$1,680$2,161
      Renters$35,521$2,960$829$1,066
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Morristown, 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 Morristown homeowners, is $72,026. This would allow for a maximum of $1,680 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $35,521 which would result in a maximum of $829 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.
      Rutledge, TN1,5168416.3%
      Parrottsville, TN3438514.8%
      Mooresburg, TN7268613.7%
      Bulls Gap, TN9088712.8%
      White Pine, TN2,4718811.7%
      Morristown, TN30,7388911.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rahway, NJ30,73412020.1%
      Sainte-Julie, QC30,753n/a 
      Duluth, GA30,71811313.4%
      Carney, MD30,71011818.3%
      San Carlos, CA30,787310209.9%
      Morristown, TN30,7388911.2%
      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.