A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
40%
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 Paris Tennessee National
Cost of living8692100
Groceries9998100
Health care9797100
Housing6080100
Transportation9497100
Utilities9698100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9697100
Household Items10198100
Education & Childcare10197100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Paris, TN

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Paris? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Paris stands at 86, making it 14% 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.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Paris stands out by reporting housing costs that are 40.2% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

Is Paris Affordable?

Wondering if Paris is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Paris, for example, the median home price is 44.6% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 30% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Paris boasting a median household income of $49,618, which is 39% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Paris?

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 Paris comes in at 3.8% lower than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Paris, the housing index stands at 40.2% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Paris, the groceries index is 0.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Paris cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Paris is 7% lower than the Tennessee average
  • The cost of living in Paris is 14% lower than the national average
  • Paris housing is 40% 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 Paris

See all the best places to live around Paris

Compare Paris, TN Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Health care index
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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$64,772$5,398$1,511$1,943
      Renters$33,822$2,819$789$1,015
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Paris, 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 Paris homeowners, is $64,772. This would allow for a maximum of $1,511 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $33,822 which would result in a maximum of $789 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.
      Cottage Grove, TN62982.3%
      Big Sandy, TN6448118.8%
      Puryear, TN7128217.8%
      Henry, TN5208316.9%
      Hazel, KY3938416.2%
      Paris, TN10,2608613.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Alpena, MI10,2618316.9%
      Alfred and Plantagenet, ON10,255n/a 
      Birch Bay, WA10,26512121.3%
      George Mason, VA10,25215959.0%
      Linganore, MD10,26814140.7%
      Paris, TN10,2608613.7%
      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.