| Index | Oak Ridge | Tennessee | National |
| Cost of living | 94 | 92 | 100 |
| Groceries | 95 | 98 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 89 | 80 | 100 |
| Transportation | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Utilities | 95 | 98 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Household Items | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 102 | 97 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge cost of living index is 94, which is 6% 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 Oak Ridge 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.
When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 11 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Oak Ridge. The results indicated that 45% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 55% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.
Is Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge is 12.6% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 8% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Oak Ridge has a median household income of $83,178, which is 2.3% higher than the national average.
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.
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 Oak Ridge, healthcare costs are 1.3% lower than the national average.
Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Oak Ridge, the utilities index registers 4.6% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Oak Ridge 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.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $103,595 | $8,633 | $2,417 | $3,108 |
| Renters | $61,392 | $5,116 | $1,432 | $1,842 |
| 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. |
| Lake City, TN | 1,915 | 79 | 21.3% |
| Petros, TN | 546 | 79 | 21.3% |
| Oliver Springs, TN | 4,054 | 87 | 13.3% |
| Coalfield, TN | 2,925 | 91 | 9.0% |
| Lenoir City, TN | 9,420 | 92 | 7.7% |
| Oak Ridge, TN | 29,938 | 94 | 5.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Fortuna Foothills, AZ | 29,964 | 98 | 2.0% |
| Laplace, LA | 29,883 | 95 | 5.2% |
| Rexburg, ID | 29,874 | 104 | 4.2% |
| Niles, IL | 30,019 | 115 | 14.8% |
| Fredericksburg, VA | 29,849 | 129 | 28.8% |
| Oak Ridge, TN | 29,938 | 94 | 5.7% |
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