Cost of Living in Oak Ridge, TN
Population 32,088 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Oak Ridge's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $71,000 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Located 20 miles west of Knoxville, Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
The median home value in Oak Ridge is $233,500 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,076/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,000/year is 5% 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 68.7°F and lows of 48.4°F, with about 4.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Oak Ridge has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% 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 | 61 | 70 | 78 | 84 | 87 | 87 | 81 | 71 | 59 | 49 |
| Low °F | 29 | 32 | 39 | 47 | 56 | 64 | 68 | 67 | 61 | 48 | 37 | 32 |
| Precip" | 5.50 | 5.93 | 5.55 | 5.58 | 4.50 | 4.76 | 5.90 | 3.72 | 4.13 | 3.29 | 5.00 | 5.84 |
| Snow" | 1.8 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 |
💨 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 Oak Ridge, TN?
Oak Ridge has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Oak Ridge, TN?
The median gross rent in Oak Ridge is $1,076 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Oak Ridge?
The median home value in Oak Ridge is $233,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Oak Ridge?
The median household income in Oak Ridge is $71,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Oak Ridge, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Oak Ridge is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Oak Ridge, TN affordable?
Yes, Oak Ridge is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Oak Ridge?
Oak Ridge has average high temperatures of 68.7°F and average lows of 48.4°F. Annual precipitation is 59.7". Average annual snowfall is 4.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Oak Ridge at a Glance
- Population
- 32,088
- Median Income
- $71,000
- Home Value
- $233,500
- Median Rent
- $1,076/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
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