A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
23%
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 Shelbyville Tennessee National
Cost of living9292100
Groceries9898100
Health care9697100
Housing7780100
Transportation9997100
Utilities10198100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9297100
Household Items10198100
Education & Childcare10097100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Shelbyville, TN

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Shelbyville? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Shelbyville stands at 92, making it 8% 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Shelbyville are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Shelbyville can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Shelbyville Affordable?

Is Shelbyville an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Shelbyville, the median home price is 24.8% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 18.5% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Shelbyville come in at $65,045, which is 20% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Shelbyville?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Shelbyville, the utilities index registers at 0.7% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Shelbyville, the housing index is 22.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Shelbyville cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Shelbyville is 1% lower than the Tennessee average
  • The cost of living in Shelbyville is 8% lower than the national average
  • Shelbyville housing is 23% 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 Shelbyville

See all the best places to live around Shelbyville

Compare Shelbyville, TN Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$84,891$7,074$1,981$2,547
      Renters$56,461$4,705$1,317$1,694
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Shelbyville, TN, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Shelbyville, the median monthly income is $84,891 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,981 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $56,461, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,317 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Petersburg, TN5318218.2%
      Wartrace, TN6758811.5%
      Normandy, TN164919.2%
      Tullahoma, TN20,737937.0%
      Unionville, TN2,698973.5%
      Shelbyville, TN22,648928.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      East Patchogue, NY22,64613030.4%
      Corcoran, CA22,6631087.6%
      Belton, TX22,671963.7%
      King of Prussia, PA22,61812323.0%
      Evans, CO22,67811515.2%
      Shelbyville, TN22,648928.3%
      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.