Cost of Living in Athens, TN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,096 (excluding rent), and $2,541 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,263 (excluding rent), and $4,702 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$22.35 $22.35

$15.24 $15.24

$50.8 $50.8

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$35.25 $35.25

$111 $111

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.26 $9.26

$8.23 $8.23

$10.74 $10.74

Cappuccino

$3.07 $3.07

$8.19 $8.19

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.77 $1.77

$3.03 $3.03

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.00 $2.00

$1.46 $1.46

$2.92 $2.92

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.37 $6.37

$3.92 $3.92

$9.81 $9.81

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.97 $7.97

$6.97 $6.97

$9.96 $9.96

Milk (1 liter)

$1.01 $1.01

$0.73 $0.73

$1.35 $1.35

White Bread (500g)

$2.33 $2.33

$2.17 $2.17

$6.52 $6.52

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.59 $4.59

$4.30 $4.30

$8.65 $8.65

Eggs

$4.41 $4.41

$1.74 $1.74

$5.85 $5.85

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.45 $13.45

$6.57 $6.57

$19.77 $19.77

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.70 $6.70

$6.26 $6.26

$20.18 $20.18

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.13 $11.13

$26.73 $26.73

Apples (1kg)

$4.49 $4.49

$3.38 $3.38

$6.75 $6.75

Banana (1kg)

$1.34 $1.34

$2.15 $2.15

Oranges (1kg)

$4.61 $4.61

$2.87 $2.87

$5.57 $5.57

Tomato (1kg)

$4.07 $4.07

$3.03 $3.03

$6.72 $6.72

Potato (1kg)

$3.80 $3.80

$2.88 $2.88

$4.47 $4.47

Onion (1kg)

$3.48 $3.48

$2.66 $2.66

$4.48 $4.48

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.32 $2.32

$1.77 $1.77

$2.97 $2.97

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.79 $1.79

$1.26 $1.26

$2.92 $2.92

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.17 $7.17

$5.02 $5.02

$20.47 $20.47

Wine (Bottle)

$15.77 $15.77

$11.83 $11.83

$24.64 $24.64

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 $1.76

$1.46 $1.46

$1.76 $1.76

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.55 $1.55

$1.19 $1.19

$1.98 $1.98

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.26 $1.26

$2.02 $2.02

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.02 $3.02

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.46 $1.46

$1.21 $1.21

$2.44 $2.44

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$39.85 $39.85

$49.81 $49.81

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.87 $0.87

$0.79 $0.79

$1.04 $1.04

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$31.8K $31.8K

$30.4K $30.4K

$33.2K $33.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.3K $26.3K

$24.0K $24.0K

$28.5K $28.5K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$245 $245

$184 $184

$408 $408

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.8 $54.8

$43.59 $43.59

$70.0 $70.0

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$57.5 $57.5

$55.0 $55.0

$80.1 $80.1

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.85 $43.85

$17.85 $17.85

$51.0 $51.0

Cinema Ticket

$8.10 $8.10

$18.23 $18.23

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,343 $1,343

$1,007 $1,007

$1,813 $1,813

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$29.8K $29.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$70.0 $70.0

$39.23 $39.23

$101 $101

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.28 $40.28

$29.57 $29.57

$51.0 $51.0

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$101 $101

$69.6 $69.6

$149 $149

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$131 $131

$122 $122

$148 $148

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,578 $1,578

$1,182 $1,182

$1,829 $1,829

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,380 $1,380

$1,019 $1,019

$1,529 $1,529

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,600 $2,600

$1,977 $1,977

$2,965 $2,965

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,217 $2,217

$1,696 $1,696

$2,494 $2,494

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,974 $1,974

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,974 $1,974

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$8,441 $8,441

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.56

6.19

6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 2, 2026

Athens, TN Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Athens, TN - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Athens, TN, United States is favorable for a town of its size. Housing tends to be more affordable than major metro areas, with a mix of older homes, modest apartments, and neighborhood options within a short drive to services. Daily costs for meals, errands, and local experiences are approachable, and you will find value in seasonal markets, coffee shops, and casual dining. For digital nomads, a calmer pace and reliable internet can offset the absence of big-city amenities. Tip: map your essential services and test a few neighborhoods during a weekend visit.

The Athens, TN, United States living cost shows up in everyday choices more than in headline numbers. When you plan housing search, focus on downtown and the east side for walkability and shorter commutes; use local listings, bulletin boards, and word-of-mouth to compare rentals and leases. Food options range from casual diners and cafes to seasonal farmers markets that help you stretch groceries. Transport is largely car-centered, with bike-friendly streets around the core and occasional bus routes or rideshare. Run errands in a compact cluster of groceries, pharmacies, and services nearby. Tip: schedule a practical two-week trial period to test routines.

Quality of life in Athens comes from a balanced approach to budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit. Build a simple framework – essential, flexible, and optional expenses – and track costs with a method that feels natural. Embrace seasonality: summer markets, fall events, and indoor offerings in winter help you stay social without overspending. To choose a neighborhood, weigh walkability, proximity to coworking or libraries, and access to groceries and healthcare. Spend a few weeks exploring districts to feel the vibe before committing. Tip: connect with local groups or coworking peers to learn insider tips and build your network.