Kingsport, TN vs Oak Ridge, TN

Kingsport is moderately more affordable than Oak Ridge, with a 14.4% lower cost of living index. Kingsport scores 72 compared to 84 for Oak Ridge, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Oak Ridge can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Kingsport is $843/month compared to $1,076/month in Oak Ridge — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kingsport is more affordable at $203,000 median vs $233,500.

Median household income in Kingsport is $50,436 compared to $71,000 in Oak Ridge (-29%). 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 Kingsport spend roughly 20.1% of their income on rent, more than the 18.2% in Oak Ridge.