Cost of Living in Manchester, TN

With a cost of living index of 77, Manchester, TN is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 23% cheaper than the national average and 3% below the Tennessee state average of 80. Manchester is a smaller community of 12,651 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Manchester's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $897 (32% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $215,700 (29% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.9x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Manchester is $55,019, which is 27% 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.

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.