Cost of Living in Johnson City, TN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,086 (excluding rent), and $2,135 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,369 (excluding rent), and $4,020 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$13.03 $13.03

$12.03 $12.03

$35.09 $35.09

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$49.51 $49.51

$39.61 $39.61

$99 $99

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.14 $12.14

$10.12 $10.12

$14.16 $14.16

Cappuccino

$3.75 $3.75

$2.45 $2.45

$5.87 $5.87

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

$2.16 $2.16

$2.01 $2.01

$3.04 $3.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.71 $1.71

$1.26 $1.26

$3.03 $3.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.06 $5.06

$3.03 $3.03

$6.07 $6.07

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.97 $5.97

$4.97 $4.97

$9.95 $9.95

Milk (1 liter)

$1 $1

$0.7 $0.7

$1.35 $1.35

White Bread (500g)

$3.73 $3.73

$1.94 $1.94

$4.92 $4.92

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.12 $3.12

$2.23 $2.23

$6.07 $6.07

Eggs

$3.14 $3.14

$1.86 $1.86

$4.73 $4.73

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.38 $7.38

$4.43 $4.43

$22.16 $22.16

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.66 $8.66

$5.31 $5.31

$22.21 $22.21

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.02 $13.02

$9.91 $9.91

$24.22 $24.22

Apples (1kg)

$4.06 $4.06

$2.17 $2.17

$8.71 $8.71

Banana (1kg)

$1.6 $1.6

$1.23 $1.23

$4.79 $4.79

Oranges (1kg)

$3.89 $3.89

$2.15 $2.15

$8.59 $8.59

Tomato (1kg)

$3.6 $3.6

$1.77 $1.77

$5.05 $5.05

Potato (1kg)

$2.36 $2.36

$1.24 $1.24

$6.49 $6.49

Onion (1kg)

$3.62 $3.62

$0.87 $0.87

$7.8 $7.8

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.81 $1.81

$0.74 $0.74

$2.94 $2.94

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.17 $2.17

$0.99 $0.99

$4.98 $4.98

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.38 $7.38

$6.38 $6.38

$11.77 $11.77

Wine (Bottle)

$12.85 $12.85

$5.44 $5.44

$19.76 $19.76

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.62 $1.62

$1.19 $1.19

$5.6 $5.6

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4 $4

$1.49 $1.49

$6.94 $6.94

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.43 $2.43

$0.97 $0.97

$3.88 $3.88

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$37.21 $37.21

$24.81 $24.81

$49.62 $49.62

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$5.47 $5.47

$2.98 $2.98

$5.47 $5.47

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.47 $1.47

$5.01 $5.01

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$64.2 $64.2

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.79 $0.79

$0.73 $0.73

$0.94 $0.94

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

$29.9K $29.9K

$23.9K $23.9K

$34.5K $34.5K

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

$21.9K $21.9K

$26.9K $26.9K

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

$147 $147

$72.9 $72.9

$578 $578

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

$74 $74

$38.63 $38.63

$124 $124

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$51.5 $51.5

$39.43 $39.43

$118 $118

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$46.69 $46.69

$30.01 $30.01

$70.1 $70.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$20.2 $20.2

Cinema Ticket

$12.85 $12.85

$8.65 $8.65

$24.71 $24.71

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

$889 $889

$790 $790

$1,194 $1,194

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$14.8K $14.8K

$30.5K $30.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$39.01 $39.01

$19.13 $19.13

$70.5 $70.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$35.81 $35.81

$13.8 $13.8

$54.2 $54.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$64.4 $64.4

$39.38 $39.38

$167 $167

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$118 $118

$50.7 $50.7

$132 $132

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,198 $1,198

$898 $898

$1,497 $1,497

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,007 $1,007

$845 $845

$1,193 $1,193

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,116 $2,116

$1,632 $1,632

$2,550 $2,550

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,645 $1,645

$1,417 $1,417

$1,923 $1,923

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,178 $2,178

$2,083 $2,083

$2,290 $2,290

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,218 $2,218

$2,146 $2,146

$2,298 $2,298

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,427 $3,427

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.15

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

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Johnson City, TN - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Johnson City, TN, United States sits in a comfortable middle ground for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want value without sacrificing access. When you compare housing, groceries, and local services to bigger metros, you’ll notice a slower pace, lower overhead, and a friendlier toolkit for day-to-day budgeting. The mix of downtown charm, friendly neighborhoods, and nearby nature helps you stretch a tier-friendly income or savings. Practical considerations include seasonal demand around university events or festivals, which can nudge prices up briefly but rarely disrupt overall affordability. Tip: prioritize low-traffic commutes and flexible housing to maximize value.

When you search for a place to call home, look in neighborhoods like Downtown, North Johnson City, or Boones Creek for different vibes and budgets. Grocery stores range from large chains to local markets, and you’ll find diverse dining that suits quick meals and longer cooks. For transport, campus shuttles, local buses, and bike-friendly streets make short hops easy; car sharing or weekend trips can complement a lighter commute. Co-working options near the center can keep your work routine focused without a long commute. Johnson City, TN, United States living cost varies by area, but practical budgeting helps you adapt to the rhythm of the town. Tip: map your errands by proximity to your work or study hub.

A practical approach couples flexibility with a neighborhood fit. If you value walkability and nightlife, Downtown Johnson City or the North side offer easy access to dining and coworking. For a quieter, family-friendly feel with nature nearby, look toward Boones Creek or East Mountain. Use a simple budgeting framework: cover essentials first, set a modest cushion, then allow for social and exploring without guilt. Seasonal rhythms – hikes in spring, autumn festivals, or winter light displays – invite you to adjust activities rather than budgets. Tip: choose a core neighborhood you can comfortably reach by bike or bus to maximize free or low-cost leisure.