Bolivar, TN vs Elizabethton, TN

Bolivar, TN and Elizabethton, TN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.4% difference in their overall index. Bolivar scores 68 while Elizabethton scores 67 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 Bolivar is $827/month compared to $751/month in Elizabethton — a 10% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Elizabethton has cheaper rent, Bolivar actually has lower median home values ($136,000 vs $159,700).

Median household income in Bolivar is $38,575 compared to $44,834 in Elizabethton (-14%). Elizabethton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bolivar spend roughly 25.7% of their income on rent, more than the 20.1% in Elizabethton.