Cost of Living in Pulaski, TN

Population 8,305 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

58
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $45,420, median household incomes in Pulaski land roughly 39% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 28% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Located 40 miles northwest of Huntsville, Pulaski falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Huntsville's $263,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 55
Rent 61

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Pulaski

The median home value in Pulaski is $168,200 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $802/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,420/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Pulaski has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$168,200
45% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$244,933
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$802/mo
39% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$731
1 BR
$809
2 BR
$948
3 BR
$1,265
4 BR
$1,510
Owner-occupied 47.1%
Renter-occupied 52.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$802
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,416/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
24.9 min
8% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
86.7%
Carpooled
5.8%
Walked
1.7%
Bicycle
1.0%
Work from home
4.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 9.6%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$45,420
39% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,292
Unemployment Rate
8.4%
75% above avg
Poverty Rate
28.1%
Labor Force Participation
51.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.3%
Graduate degree 6.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.8
Male median age 32.9
Female median age 40.5

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

96%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
8
Public schools
3,774
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Pulaski, TN?

Pulaski has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.

What is average rent in Pulaski, TN?

The median gross rent in Pulaski is $802 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Pulaski?

The median home value in Pulaski is $168,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Pulaski?

The median household income in Pulaski is $45,420 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Pulaski, TN?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pulaski is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.

Is Pulaski, TN affordable?

Yes, Pulaski is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.