Cost of Living in Cookeville, TN: What Residents and Movers Need to Know

Cost of Living in Cookeville, TN

Thinking about life in Cookeville, TN? Whether you already call this charming city home or you’re planning a move, understanding the cost of living is key to making smart financial decisions. From home prices to groceries, every dollar counts—and Cookeville’s affordability is a major draw for many. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how Cookeville compares to other places.

Understanding the Cost of Living Score

Cost of living scores compare how expensive it is to live in a city versus the national average. They’re based on indexes that measure essential expenses like:

• Housing
• Food and groceries
• Transportation
• Healthcare
• Utilities and services

Surveys from sources such as Sperling’s Best Places and Numbeo help inform these rankings.

• National average: 100
• Cookeville’s index: typically around 85–90

That means Cookeville is about 10–15% less expensive than the U.S. average. By comparison, nearby Nashville scores closer to 103, showing how much further your dollar can go in Cookeville.

Housing & Rent in Cookeville

Housing is often the biggest piece of your budget.

Home Prices

• Single-family homes: $295,000–$325,000
• Condos/townhouses: start around $200,000

Renting

• Studio: $650–$700/month
• 1-bedroom: $750–$900/month
• 2-bedroom: $950–$1,200/month
• 3-bedroom house: $1,250+/month

What Salary Do You Need?

Financial experts recommend keeping housing under 30% of gross income. For example:

• 2-bedroom at $1,100/month → ideal income about $44,000/year
• Homebuyers are generally comfortable with a household salary of $60,000–$75,000, giving room for mortgage, insurance, and maintenance.

Transportation & Commute Costs

Cookeville has a small but reliable public transit system: the Cookeville Area Transit System (CATS).

Public Transit

• Standard fare: $1 per ride
• Monthly pass: around $30

Driving

Most residents own cars.

• Gas: about $3.10/gallon
• Car insurance: $95–$120/month (varies by driver)
• Parking: generally free or low-cost, except near Tennessee Tech University

Commute Times

• Average commute: 10–20 minutes
• Busier areas: Main Street and Willow Avenue during rush hour
• Rideshare (Uber, etc.) is available for added convenience.

Utilities & Monthly Bills

Typical monthly costs for a standard home or apartment:

• Electricity: $110–$150
• Gas: $35–$60
• Water/sewer/trash: $50–$70
• Internet: $55–$75 (Charter Spectrum, Twin Lakes, and others)
• Cell phone: $45–$75

Some providers charge one-time connection/setup fees of about $30–$75 when you start service.

Food & Groceries

For many, food is the next biggest expense after housing.

• Family of four: $650–$800/month on groceries
• Milk: ~$3/gallon
• Bread: ~$2.25/loaf
• Eggs: ~$1.70/dozen (seasonal changes apply)

Dining Out

• Casual restaurants: $12–$18/person
• Mid-range dining: $20–$34/person
• Fine dining: from $40+/person

Money-Saving Tip:

Visit the Cookeville Farmers Market for fresh, local produce at great prices and shop bulk/discount stores like Aldi to stretch your budget.

Healthcare Expenses

Healthcare is a key part of your overall cost of living.

• Individual health insurance: $380–$525/month
• Doctor’s visit (before insurance): $90–$130
• Urgent care visit: $150–$230
• Specialist copays: $30–$60
• Generic prescriptions: $10–$20 with insurance, retail often $25–$75

Goods & Everyday Services

Common service and personal care costs:

• Haircut (salon): $25–$50
• Laundry (coin laundromat): $2.25–$3.50 per wash
• House cleaning: $80–$120 per visit
• Streaming subscriptions: $10–$18/month
• Gym memberships: $30–$55/month

Consumer Price Index (CPI) tracks how the price of everyday items changes year-over-year, helping you anticipate potential cost increases.

Fitness & Entertainment

Cookeville offers plenty of affordable ways to stay active and have fun.

• Gym memberships: $35–$60/month
• Drop-in yoga/fitness classes: $8–$15
• Movie tickets: $11–$14 (matinees are often cheaper)
• Live music at local venues: $10–$30 cover

Outdoor recreation is big here—many parks, lakes, and greenways are free to use for hiking, running, picnics, or simply relaxing.

How Cookeville Compares to Other Cities

• Chattanooga: about 10–15% more expensive overall
• Knoxville: similar overall, but housing can run higher
• Nashville: about 20–25% more expensive, especially in housing and entertainment
• Compared to larger cities like Atlanta or Charlotte, Cookeville is significantly more affordable in both rent and daily expenses.

Salaries & Job Opportunities

Cookeville has a diverse and growing job market.

Major Employers

• Tennessee Tech University
• Cookeville Regional Medical Center
• Local manufacturing and retail companies

Income Levels

• Median household income: $42,000–$48,000
• Per capita income: around $24,000

In-Demand Sectors

• Education
• Healthcare
• Skilled trades
• Small business and retail
• Engineering and IT roles (often above state average pay)

Can I Afford Cookeville, TN?

Start with a basic budget:

1. Add up fixed expenses (housing, utilities, food, transportation, insurance).
2. Compare to your expected net income.
3. Aim to keep housing at or below 30% of your gross income.

Residents here typically spend less on housing than in big cities, which can free up money for:

• Savings
• Travel
• Dining out
• Hobbies and recreation

Online calculators (like SmartAsset or similar cost-of-living tools) can help you compare Cookeville with your current city.

What Does AI Say About Cookeville, TN?

AI-based cost-of-living tools and city rating platforms generally show:

• Steady housing demand
• Modest cost increases (no extreme spikes)
• A stable job market
• An above-average quality of life for the cost

Of course, these predictions use historical and regional data—they can’t predict sudden economic shifts or personal lifestyle choices. Always back up any big decision with current local info and your own budget.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Cookeville, TN

Average Rent by Bedroom Size

• Studio: $650–$700
• 1-bedroom: $750–$900
• 2-bedroom: $950–$1,200
• 3-bedroom: $1,250+

Are there first-time homebuyer programs?

Yes. Look into THDA (Tennessee Housing Development Agency) programs and local grants for down payment assistance and favorable loan terms.

Is public transit cheaper than owning a car?

It can be for students or those who mainly stay in town. However, many people prefer owning a car for flexibility, especially if they travel outside city limits.

Do utility bills spike in summer?

Yes—electricity bills typically rise due to air conditioning use but are balanced by relatively low winter heating costs.

Is dining out expensive?

Not compared to larger cities. You’ll find a good range of affordable options—from local diners to mid-range restaurants.

What’s the typical salary range?

Most full-time roles fall between $32,000 and $58,000, with specialized positions (healthcare, engineering, IT) paying more.

If you’re planning a move or just need extra room for your stuff, self storage in Cookeville, TN can help simplify your transition with flexible, affordable storage options.