Cost of Living in Sparta, TN

With a cost of living index of 71, Sparta, TN is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 29% cheaper than the national average and 9% below the Tennessee state average of 80. Sparta is a small community of 4,915 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Sparta's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $745 (44% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $200,600 (34% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Sparta is $43,989, which is 41% 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.