Can I Afford to Live in Tennessee?
Tennessee - No income tax, affordable housing, and a booming job market. See median rent, home values, and the most affordable ZIP codes below.
Find ZIP Codes You Can Afford in Tennessee
Enter your salary to see neighborhoods in your budget.
🏠 To Buy in Tennessee
With median home value of $280,000, you'd typically need an income of at least $70,000/year and a down payment of $28,000 (10%).
🏘️ To Rent in Tennessee
With median rent of $1,100/month, you should earn at least $40K/year (30% rent-to-income rule). This is below the US median of $1,163/mo.
💰 Median Income
Tennessee residents earn a median household income of $58,516/year. Rent takes approximately 23% of median income.
Most Affordable ZIP Codes in Tennessee
Ranked by lowest median rent, minimum population 3,000+
| # | ZIP · City | Rent/mo | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 38105 Memphis | $724 | 37 |
| 2 | 38111 Memphis | $916 | 48 |
| 3 | 38103 Memphis | $967 | 54 |
| 4 | 38104 Memphis | $1,109 | 64 |
| 5 | 37201 Nashville | $1,213 | 62 |
| 6 | 37209 Nashville | $1,232 | 64 |
| 7 | 37206 Nashville | $1,235 | 63 |
| 8 | 37203 Nashville | $1,872 | 73 |
| 9 | 37204 Nashville | $1,881 | 70 |
| 10 | 38117 Memphis | $1,893 | 74 |
| 11 | 37215 Nashville | $2,842 | 82 |
Top-Rated Neighborhoods in Tennessee
Highest ZipScore - best combination of safety, schools, and quality of life
FAQs: Living in Tennessee
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Tennessee?
To live comfortably in Tennessee, you'd want to earn at least $39,600/year to rent at the median price without being cost-burdened (spending more than 30% of income on housing). To buy at the median home price of $280,000, aim for a salary of $70,000+.
Is Tennessee expensive to live in?
Tennessee has a median rent of $1,100/month, which is below the US national median of $1,163. Cost varies significantly by city and neighborhood - the table above shows the most affordable ZIP codes in Tennessee.
What is the most affordable city in Tennessee?
The most affordable ZIP codes in Tennessee are ranked in the table above by median rent. Smaller cities and suburbs typically offer significantly lower costs than the major metro areas. Click any ZIP code to see its full neighborhood profile.