Cost of Living in Manchester, TN
Population 12,651 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Manchester 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 1.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 35 miles southeast of Murfreesboro, Manchester falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Murfreesboro's $365,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Manchester
The median home value in Manchester is $215,700 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $897/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,019/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Manchester has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Manchester, TN?
Manchester has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Manchester, TN?
The median gross rent in Manchester is $897 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Manchester?
The median home value in Manchester is $215,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Manchester?
The median household income in Manchester is $55,019 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Manchester, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Manchester is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Manchester, TN affordable?
Yes, Manchester is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
Manchester at a Glance
- Population
- 12,651
- Median Income
- $55,019
- Home Value
- $215,700
- Median Rent
- $897/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.9%
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs