Cheapest Places to Live in Tennessee (2026)
Looking for the most affordable cities in Tennessee? We ranked 14 Tennessee cities by median home value. The cheapest is Memphis (~$130,000); the Tennessee median is $272,500.
Most affordable cities in Tennessee
Ranked by median home value, lowest first:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memphis | $130,000 | $120 |
| 2 | Kingsport | $256,000 | $182 |
| 3 | Bartlett | $275,000 | $151 |
| 4 | Johnson City | $288,000 | $204 |
| 5 | Chattanooga | $293,000 | $214 |
| 6 | Crossville | $302,500 | $221 |
| 7 | Cleveland | $304,000 | $204 |
| 8 | Clarksville | $308,000 | $190 |
| 9 | Knoxville | $388,500 | $231 |
| 10 | Maryville | $406,000 | $230 |
Most expensive cities in Tennessee
The priciest Tennessee markets by median home value:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franklin | $948,000 | $368 |
| 2 | Nashville | $453,000 | $330 |
| 3 | Murfreesboro | $435,500 | $223 |
| 4 | Sevierville | $413,000 | $341 |
| 5 | Maryville | $406,000 | $230 |
| 6 | Knoxville | $388,500 | $231 |
| 7 | Clarksville | $308,000 | $190 |
| 8 | Cleveland | $304,000 | $204 |
| 9 | Crossville | $302,500 | $221 |
| 10 | Chattanooga | $293,000 | $214 |
How we rank Tennessee cities
Rankings use the typical (median) home value for each city from public market data (Realtor.com & Zillow research). Affordability also depends on incomes, taxes, and cost of living — see each city page for local detail. Directional estimates, not appraisals.
Explore all Tennessee home values, estimate any home with the Home Value Estimator, or see where your budget goes furthest nationwide.
Tennessee affordability: FAQ
What is the cheapest place to live in Tennessee? +
Based on median home value, Memphis is among the most affordable cities in Tennessee, with a typical home around $130,000 — well below the Tennessee median of $272,500.
What is the most expensive city in Tennessee? +
By median home value, Franklin is among the priciest in Tennessee, with a typical home around $948,000.
Is Tennessee an affordable place to live? +
The median home value in Tennessee is about $272,500 (7% more affordable than the U.S. median of $294,000), but prices vary widely by city — from around $130,000 to $948,000.