Cost of Living in Tusculum, TN

Population 3,304 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

74
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Tusculum 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.

Located 70 miles east of Knoxville, Tusculum is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 16% higher than Knoxville's $214,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 81
Rent 63

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

About the Cost of Living in Tusculum

The median home value in Tusculum is $247,800 — 19% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $832/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,458/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, 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, Tusculum has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$247,800
19% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$327,926
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$832/mo
37% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.8x
Favors renting
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 87.3%
Renter-occupied 12.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$832
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,446/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
19.8 min
27% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.5%
Carpooled
6.7%
Public transit
0.9%
Walked
10.7%
Work from home
3.7%

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
$71,458
4% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,912
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
23% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
Labor Force Participation
45.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.3%
Graduate degree 18.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32.6
Male median age 31.7
Female median age 35.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
68.2°F
Avg Low
44.9°F
Annual Precip
44"
Annual Snowfall
9.2"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 475159697784868681705950
Low °F 262935435261656356443429
Precip" 3.653.813.963.793.823.925.003.762.842.523.143.76
Snow" 3.03.01.10.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.31.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Tusculum, TN?

Tusculum has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.

What is average rent in Tusculum, TN?

The median gross rent in Tusculum is $832 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Tusculum?

The median home value in Tusculum is $247,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Tusculum?

The median household income in Tusculum is $71,458 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Tusculum, TN?

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

Is Tusculum, TN affordable?

Yes, Tusculum is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Tusculum?

Tusculum 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.

Tusculum at a Glance

Population
3,304
Median Income
$71,458
Home Value
$247,800
Median Rent
$832/mo
Unemployment
3.7%
Avg High Temp
68.2°F
Sales Tax
9.6%
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