Cost of Living in South Pittsburg, TN

Population 3,040 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

56
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives South Pittsburg a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $161,000. At 7.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 25 miles west of Chattanooga, South Pittsburg falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Chattanooga's $259,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 53
Rent 61

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

About the Cost of Living in South Pittsburg

The median home value in South Pittsburg is $160,700 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $796/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,347/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, South Pittsburg has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$160,700
47% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$296,017
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$796/mo
39% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.8x
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 70.7%
Renter-occupied 29.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$796
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,410/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
29.1 min
8% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
58.4%
Carpooled
35.3%
Walked
1.9%
Work from home
2.8%

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
$54,347
27% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,728
Unemployment Rate
7.0%
46% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.6%
Labor Force Participation
55.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 5.7%
Graduate degree 2.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.7
Male median age 49.5
Female median age 53.9

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

90%
4-Year Graduation Rate
18:1
Student-teacher ratio
1
Public schools
270
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in South Pittsburg, TN?

South Pittsburg has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.

What is average rent in South Pittsburg, TN?

The median gross rent in South Pittsburg is $796 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Pittsburg?

The median home value in South Pittsburg is $160,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in South Pittsburg?

The median household income in South Pittsburg is $54,347 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Pittsburg, TN?

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

Is South Pittsburg, TN affordable?

Yes, South Pittsburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.

South Pittsburg at a Glance

Population
3,040
Median Income
$54,347
Home Value
$160,700
Median Rent
$796/mo
Unemployment
7.0%
Sales Tax
9.6%
View all cities in Tennessee →
🗺️ County data for Tennessee

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs