Cost of Living in Ooltewah, TN

With a cost of living index of 96, Ooltewah, TN is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 4% cheaper than the national average and 16% above the Tennessee state average of 80. Ooltewah is a small community of 489 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Ooltewah's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,456 (10% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $238,000 (22% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.8x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Ooltewah is $62,875, which is 16% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Everyday prices in the Chattanooga, TN-GA (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.