Cost of Living for Students in Tennessee (Full Breakdown)

Moving to Tennessee for college or university can be one of the most exciting chapters in a student’s life. But before packing your bags, there’s one important question to answer: Is the cost of living in Tennessee affordable for students?

Tennessee is known for its vibrant music scene, diverse landscapes, and excellent colleges, but for students, affordability matters just as much as academics. From rent and groceries to transportation and entertainment, your budget will shape your overall student experience.

In this guide, we’ll break down the true cost of living for students in Tennessee, compare different cities, highlight part-time job opportunities, and share money-saving tips. By the end, you’ll know whether Tennessee is an affordable choice for students and how to make the most of your money while studying here.

Average Student Living Costs in Tennessee

According to Numbeo and College Board data, Tennessee’s cost of living is about 10–12% lower than the national average. Still, affordability varies depending on which city you live in and whether you stay on-campus, off-campus, or with roommates.

Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly expenses for students in Tennessee:

👉 On average, most students in Tennessee spend $14,000–$20,000 per year on living expenses, excluding tuition fees.

Housing Costs for Students in Tennessee

Housing is the biggest factor in a student’s budget. Luckily, Tennessee offers a mix of affordable options:

1. On-Campus Housing

• Ranges from $3,500–$7,500 per academic year depending on the school.

• Includes utilities and often meal plans, which simplifies budgeting.

• Great for first-year students seeking community and convenience.

2. Off-Campus Apartments

• Average rent in student-heavy cities:

  • Knoxville: $700–$950 (near UTK)

  • Nashville: $900–$1,200 (near Vanderbilt or Belmont)

  • Memphis: $650–$850 (near University of Memphis)

  • Chattanooga: $700–$950 (UTC area)

• Living with roommates can cut rent by 30–40%.

3. Student-Friendly Alternatives

• Many students choose shared houses, studio apartments, or homestays.

• Facebook groups, student forums, and university housing boards are great places to find deals.

💡 Tip: If you’re studying in Nashville (the most expensive city), consider living in nearby towns like Murfreesboro or Hendersonville to save money.

Food & Grocery Expenses

Food costs in Tennessee are moderately priced compared to other U.S. states.

• Groceries: $250–$350 per month for students who cook at home.

• Dining out: $12–$18 for a casual meal, $6–$8 for fast food.

• Meal plans: Universities offer plans averaging $1,800–$2,500 per semester.

Popular budget-friendly grocery stores for students:

• Aldi – cheap staples and fresh produce.

• Kroger – widely available with student discounts.

• Publix – slightly pricier but great for healthy options.

• Trader Joe’s (in larger cities) – affordable, organic options.

Transportation Costs

Tennessee is a car-friendly state, but many students rely on public transit, biking, or ridesharing.

• Public Transit Passes:

  • Nashville MTA: $44/month (discounted student passes).

  • Memphis MATA: $42/month.

  • Knoxville KAT: $50/month.

• Gas Prices: $3.00–$3.40 per gallon (lower than national average).

• Uber/Lyft: $8–$15 per short trip in cities.

• Many universities (like Vanderbilt & UTK) offer free shuttle services for students.

💡 Tip: If you own a car, budget for insurance ($80–$120/month for students) and parking fees on campus.

Healthcare & Insurance

• Most universities require students to have health insurance.

• Costs range from $100–$200 per month, depending on coverage.

• Tennessee has several student health clinics that provide affordable care, vaccinations, and counseling.

Entertainment & Lifestyle Costs

Students in Tennessee have access to affordable entertainment, from live music in Nashville to hiking in the Smoky Mountains.

• Gym memberships: $20–$40/month (free at most universities).

• Movies: $8–$12 with student discounts.

• Concerts: $20–$50 for local shows.

• Weekend trips: $50–$150 (depending on location & group travel).

💡 Outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and biking are free or low-cost, making Tennessee a great state for budget-friendly recreation.

City-by-City Student Cost Comparison

Here’s how major Tennessee cities compare in terms of affordability for students:

Part-Time Jobs & Student Earning Opportunities

Many students offset living expenses by working part-time. Tennessee offers plenty of options:

• On-campus jobs: Library assistant, tutoring, dining halls, research labs.

• Retail & food service: Starbucks, Target, restaurants, and shops near campuses.

• Internships: Nashville (music & healthcare), Memphis (logistics), Chattanooga (tech), Knoxville (engineering & education).

• Average student wage: $11–$15/hour.

Tennessee vs. Other States

How does Tennessee compare to nearby states for students?

• Tennessee vs. North Carolina: NC cities like Charlotte are more expensive for rent.

• Tennessee vs. Georgia: Atlanta has higher living costs, but smaller towns are similar.

• Tennessee vs. Texas: Texas has comparable costs, though tuition may be higher.

👉 Overall, Tennessee offers a more affordable student lifestyle than many states with similar academic opportunities.

Money-Saving Tips for Students in Tennessee

1. Use your student ID for discounts on transportation, food, and entertainment.

2. Buy used or digital textbooks from Chegg, Amazon, or student book swaps.

3. Consider roommates to cut rent by half.

4. Use public transit or biking instead of owning a car.

5. Cook at home instead of eating out frequently.

6. Take advantage of university events & free activities.

Final Thoughts: Is Tennessee Affordable for Students?

So, is the cost of living in Tennessee affordable for students?

Yes, Tennessee is generally affordable compared to the national average, especially in cities like Memphis, Knoxville, and Murfreesboro. Nashville is pricier, but students can still manage costs with roommates, part-time jobs, and careful budgeting.

Whether you’re attending a large university like the University of Tennessee or a smaller college in a suburban area, Tennessee offers a balanced mix of affordability, culture, and opportunities, making it a solid choice for students looking for both education and a comfortable lifestyle.

FAQs About Cost of Living for Students in Tennessee

Q1. How much should students budget monthly in Tennessee?
Students should budget between $1,200–$2,000 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle.

Q2. Which Tennessee city is cheapest for students?
Murfreesboro and Memphis are the most affordable, while Nashville is the most expensive.

Q3. Can students work while studying in Tennessee?
Yes, most students work part-time on or off campus, earning around $11–$15/hour.

Q4. Is on-campus or off-campus housing cheaper in Tennessee?
Off-campus housing with roommates is often cheaper, but on-campus housing offers convenience.

Q5. Is Tennessee cheaper for students compared to other states?
Yes, Tennessee’s cost of living is 10–12% below the national average, making it more affordable than many U.S. states.