Cost of Living in Alcoa, TN
Population 11,635 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Alcoa sits on the smaller end of the Tennessee city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 11 miles south of Knoxville, Alcoa falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 9% higher than Knoxville's $214,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Alcoa
The median home value in Alcoa is $232,300 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,057/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,049/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 70.0°F and lows of 49.1°F, with about 4.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Alcoa has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48 | 53 | 61 | 71 | 79 | 86 | 88 | 88 | 83 | 72 | 60 | 51 |
| Low °F | 30 | 33 | 40 | 48 | 57 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 49 | 38 | 33 |
| Precip" | 4.76 | 4.81 | 4.89 | 4.71 | 4.13 | 4.24 | 5.25 | 3.63 | 3.49 | 2.81 | 4.21 | 5.00 |
| Snow" | 1.7 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Alcoa, TN?
Alcoa has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.
What is average rent in Alcoa, TN?
The median gross rent in Alcoa is $1,057 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Alcoa?
The median home value in Alcoa is $232,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Alcoa?
The median household income in Alcoa is $60,049 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Alcoa, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Alcoa is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Alcoa, TN affordable?
Yes, Alcoa is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Alcoa?
Alcoa has average high temperatures of 70.0°F and average lows of 49.1°F. Annual precipitation is 51.9". Average annual snowfall is 4.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Alcoa at a Glance
- Population
- 11,635
- Median Income
- $60,049
- Home Value
- $232,300
- Median Rent
- $1,057/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
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