Is It Expensive to Live in Johnson City? A Data-Driven Look at Affordability

Thinking of moving to Johnson City but worried about costs? Here’s what you need to know!

Introduction: Is Johnson City Budget-Friendly?

When clients ask me, “Is it expensive to live in Johnson City?” they’re often trying to compare it to other places they’ve lived or are considering moving to. The answer depends on factors like housing, transportation, utilities, and lifestyle costs.

Compared to national averages and major Tennessee cities like Nashville or Knoxville, Johnson City offers a much lower cost of living. However, not all areas are equally affordable. In this post, we’ll break down affordability by state and city and compare Johnson City to other cities in Tennessee.

How Expensive is Tennessee Compared to Other States?

As a USAF veteran and someone who has moved frequently, I’ve had the opportunity to live in several states across the U.S., including New Hampshire, North Carolina, California, Maryland, Ohio, and Tennessee. Out of all of them, Tennessee has been my favorite by far. One of the biggest reasons? My dollar stretches further here. The lower cost of living allows me to enjoy more experiences, activities, and amenities—even compared to states that may seem to offer more on the surface. According to US News & World Report, Tennessee is in the top 20 states in terms of cost of living. Just look at the difference in property taxes across the states (source: taxfoundation.org)

How Does Johnson City Compare to Other Tennessee Cities?

By now, you’ve seen how Tennessee’s cost of living makes it an attractive place to live. But what about the differences between cities within the state? The cost of living varies across Tennessee, with larger metro areas generally being more expensive. Below is a breakdown comparing Johnson City to Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville.

Knoxville, TN vs. Johnson City, TN

  • Overall Cost of Living: 7.3% higher than in Johnson City (excluding rent)
  • Restaurant Prices: 29.9% higher than in Johnson City
  • Grocery Prices: 3.6% lower than in Johnson City

Chattanooga, TN vs. Johnson City, TN

  • Overall Cost of Living: 9.6% higher than in Johnson City (excluding rent)
  • Restaurant Prices: 28.1% higher than in Johnson City
  • Grocery Prices: 8.0% higher than in Johnson City

Nashville, TN vs. Johnson City, TN

  • Overall Cost of Living: 21.6% higher than in Johnson City (excluding rent)
  • Restaurant Prices: 38.3% higher than in Johnson City
  • Grocery Prices: 16.7% higher than in Johnson City

Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities (accessed on 2/10/2025). 

With Johnson City, you can get the feel of living in a city without the bigger city prices.

Hidden Savings: How Johnson City Helps You Keep More Money

Johnson City isn’t just affordable in terms of home prices. Here are some key ways the city helps residents stretch their dollars:

✅ No State Income Tax – Tennessee is one of the few states with zero income tax, leaving more money in your pocket.
✅ Lower Property Taxes – Washington County's property tax rate is significantly lower than the national average. ($1269 vs $1815 according to https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/property-taxes-by-state-county-2024/)
✅ Cheaper Transportation Costs – Shorter commutes, lower gas prices, and less traffic mean you spend less on fuel and car maintenance. 

Neighborhood Affordability: Where Can You Find the Best Deals?

While Johnson City is generally affordable, some neighborhoods offer better prices than others. I’ve helped clients find great deals in several areas, whether they were looking for a budget-friendly starter home or a beautiful property in a desirable neighborhood.

Some of my personal favorite neighborhoods in Johnson City include:
🏡 Shadowood – A peaceful, centrally-located subdivision perfect for families.
🏡 Boones Creek – A growing suburban area with newer developments and great value for the price.
🏡 Briarwood – A suburban neighborhood with reasonably priced homes and easy access to shops and restaurants along State of Franklin Road. 

Remember, even in more expensive neighborhoods like Buffalo Mountain or The Ridges, we’re often able to negotiate great deals and find hidden opportunities for buyers. Whether you’re looking for affordability or luxury, Johnson City has something for every budget.

Lifestyle & Affordability: How Does Your Budget Fit?

Your lifestyle plays a huge role in how expensive a place feels. In Johnson City, you can enjoy:

🏞 Outdoor Adventures – Free access to the Appalachian Mountains, parks, and lakes.
🍽 Affordable Dining – Plenty of local restaurants where meals cost under $15 per person. Some of my affordable favorites are Mid City Grill, Amigo Mexican Restaurant, and The Italian Pizza Pub.
🏡 Low-Cost Entertainment – Farmers’ markets, breweries, and community events keep costs low.

Conclusion: Is Johnson City Expensive?

No – in fact, it’s one of the most affordable mid-sized cities in Tennessee!
While home prices vary by neighborhood, Johnson City remains a cost-effective choice compared to big metro areas.