Cost of Living in Johnson City, TN

An Overview of Cost of Living in Johnson City, TN

Understanding the cost of living in Johnson City can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Johnson City cost of living index is 97, which is 3% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Johnson City closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Johnson City can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Johnson City?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 14 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Johnson City and this is how they responded. 36% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 64% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Johnson City Affordable?

Is Johnson City an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Johnson City is 7.6% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 18.3% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Johnson City has a median household income of $42,174, which is 23.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Johnson City?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Johnson City, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 7%, and income tax rates kick off at 0%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Johnson City, the transportation index is 8.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Johnson City displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.