Cost of Living in Kingsport, TN

With a cost of living index of 72, Kingsport, TN is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 28% cheaper than the national average and 8% below the Tennessee state average of 80. With a population of 55,807, Kingsport is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Kingsport's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $843 (36% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $203,000 (33% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Kingsport is $50,436, which is 33% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% 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.

Everyday prices in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

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.