Cost of Living in Kingsport, TN
Population 55,807 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Kingsport lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $203,000 — 33% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Tennessee. Around 21% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 85 miles east of Knoxville, Kingsport is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Knoxville's $214,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kingsport
The median home value in Kingsport is $203,000 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $843/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,436/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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 68.2°F and lows of 44.9°F, with about 9.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Kingsport has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% 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 |
💨 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 Kingsport, TN?
Kingsport has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in Kingsport, TN?
The median gross rent in Kingsport is $843 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kingsport?
The median home value in Kingsport is $203,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kingsport?
The median household income in Kingsport is $50,436 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kingsport, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kingsport is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Kingsport, TN affordable?
Yes, Kingsport is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Kingsport?
Kingsport 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.
Kingsport at a Glance
- Population
- 55,807
- Median Income
- $50,436
- Home Value
- $203,000
- Median Rent
- $843/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- 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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