Oak Ridge, TN vs Union City, TN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Union City is 27.9% cheaper than Oak Ridge. With a cost index of 66 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Union City to Oak Ridge should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Oak Ridge is $1,076/month compared to $732/month in Union City — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Union City is more affordable at $138,400 median vs $233,500.

Median household income in Oak Ridge is $71,000 compared to $45,523 in Union City (+56%). 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 Oak Ridge spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, less than the 19.3% in Union City.