Cost of Living in Gatlinburg, TN

With a cost of living index of 88, Gatlinburg, TN is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 12% cheaper than the national average and 7% above the Tennessee state average of 80. Gatlinburg is a small community of 3,643 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Gatlinburg's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,056 (20% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $286,500 (6% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Gatlinburg is $57,760, which is 23% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.