Cost of Living in Johnson City, TN
Population 71,455 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Johnson City cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $238,000, rents near $957 a month. Around 21% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Johnson City lies roughly 90 miles east of the nearest major metro, Knoxville — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 11% higher than Knoxville's $214,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Johnson City
The median home value in Johnson City is $238,000 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $957/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,429/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 68.2°F and lows of 44.9°F, with about 9.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Johnson City has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% 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 | 47 | 51 | 59 | 69 | 77 | 84 | 86 | 86 | 81 | 70 | 59 | 50 |
| Low °F | 26 | 29 | 35 | 43 | 52 | 61 | 65 | 63 | 56 | 44 | 34 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.65 | 3.81 | 3.96 | 3.79 | 3.82 | 3.92 | 5.00 | 3.76 | 2.84 | 2.52 | 3.14 | 3.76 |
| Snow" | 3.0 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.7 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Johnson City, TN?
Johnson City has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Johnson City, TN?
The median gross rent in Johnson City is $957 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Johnson City?
The median home value in Johnson City is $238,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Johnson City?
The median household income in Johnson City is $55,429 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Johnson City, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Johnson City is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Johnson City, TN affordable?
Yes, Johnson City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Johnson City?
Johnson City has average high temperatures of 68.2°F and average lows of 44.9°F. Annual precipitation is 44". Average annual snowfall is 9.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Johnson City at a Glance
- Population
- 71,455
- Median Income
- $55,429
- Home Value
- $238,000
- Median Rent
- $957/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
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