Alcoa, TN vs Oak Ridge, TN

Alcoa, TN and Oak Ridge, TN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.8% difference in their overall index. Alcoa scores 83 while Oak Ridge scores 84 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alcoa is $1,057/month compared to $1,076/month in Oak Ridge — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alcoa is more affordable at $232,300 median vs $233,500.

Median household income in Alcoa is $60,049 compared to $71,000 in Oak Ridge (-15.4%). While Oak Ridge is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alcoa spend roughly 21.1% of their income on rent, more than the 18.2% in Oak Ridge.