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Cost of Living & Affordability: Tullahoma, TN

Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Tullahoma, TN

Cap Rate
3.33%
Median Price
$310K
Rent/Mo
$1,310
1% Rule
0.42%
Fails

Housing Affordability

Tullahoma's price-to-income ratio is 5.8x — homes cost 5.8 times the local median household income of $53,744. Housing is stretched relative to local incomes. Many workers are effectively priced out of buying, creating deep rental demand. This is favorable for landlords but also means your tenants may be more cost-sensitive.

Rent vs Buy Analysis

A typical mortgage payment on a median-priced home in Tullahoma (20% down at 7%) is approximately $2,062/mo for principal and interest alone — add taxes and insurance and the all-in payment reaches roughly $2,333. The median rent of $1,310/mo is significantly less than buying — this rent-vs-buy gap is one of the strongest indicators of sustainable rental demand. When renting is cheaper than buying, the renter pool stays deep and vacancy stays low.

Income & Employment

The median household income in Tullahoma is $53,744, with a population of 50,000 growing at 1.6% per year. Tullahoma is a smaller market. Research the local employment base carefully — smaller cities can be significantly impacted by a single employer's decisions. Moderate population growth indicates a stable economic foundation.

What This Means for Investors

The stretched affordability means strong rental demand, but tight margins require precision. Target below-median prices where rents are still strong, or use value-add strategies to force equity and improve cash flow.

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How Tullahoma Compares

Tullahoma vs Tennessee state average and national average across key investment metrics. Tullahoma's cap rate is below both benchmarks — deal sourcing is critical here.

Metric
Tullahoma
Tennessee Avg
National Avg
Cap Rate
3.33%
4.12%
3.81%
Median Price
$310K
$297K
$333K
Median Rent
$1,310
$1,419
$1,524
Property Tax
0.65%
0.65%
1.08%
Vacancy
5.7%
5.7%
5.6%
Pop. Growth
1.6%/yr
1.6%/yr
0.9%/yr

Nearby South Markets

City
Cap Rate
Price
Rent
Tax
Tullahoma, TN
3.3%
$310K
$1,310
0.65%
Huntsville, AL
3.8%
$310K
$1,380
0.43%
Gainesville, TX
2.5%
$310K
$1,380
1.72%
Pensacola, FL
4.8%
$305K
$1,720
0.79%
Chattanooga, TN
4.1%
$315K
$1,500
0.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tullahoma affordable for renters?
Renters in Tullahoma spend approximately 29% of median household income on rent. This is within the standard 30% affordability threshold, suggesting renters have room in their budgets. The median household income is $53,744, below the level needed for comfortable renting.
What is the price-to-income ratio in Tullahoma?
Tullahoma's price-to-income ratio is 5.8x, meaning homes cost 5.8 times the local median income. This is moderate — some residents can buy, many choose to rent.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Tullahoma?
A mortgage payment (20% down, 7% rate) on the median $310K home is approximately $1,649/mo before taxes and insurance. Adding those costs brings it to roughly $1,920/mo. The median rent of $1,310/mo is less than the cost of buying — this gap supports continued rental demand.
How does Tullahoma's cost of living compare to the national average?
Home prices in Tullahoma ($310K) are 7% below the national average. Rents ($1,310/mo) are 14% below average. Property taxes (0.65%) are below the 1.08% national average.
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Explore Tullahoma & Related Markets

More Tullahoma Guides

Rental Property Investment GuideRent AnalysisProperty Tax GuideAppreciation & Growth ForecastNeighborhood Investment Guide

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