Home Affordability Calculator in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the median home costs $330K and the median household income is $59K/year. Find out how much house you can afford based on your income, debts, and down payment.

$330K
Median Home Price
$59K/yr
Median Income
10%
Avg Down Payment
90 / 100
Cost of Living
$

Before taxes — use your total household income

$

Car loans, student loans, credit cards, etc. — not utilities

$
%

How Much House Can You Afford in Tennessee?

Lenders typically use the 28/36 rule: your monthly housing payment should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income, and total debt payments should stay under 36%. With Tennessee's median income of $59,000/year ($4,917/month), that means a maximum housing payment of roughly $1,377/month.

At 6.84% over 30 years with a 10% down payment ($33,000), that monthly budget supports a purchase price of approximately $313,500–$330,000. The median home price in Tennessee is $330,000, which means housing is more affordable than the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions — Home Affordability in Tennessee

How much house can I afford in Tennessee?+
With the median household income of $59,000 in Tennessee, the 28% housing rule allows a maximum monthly payment of $1,377. At 6.84% over 30 years with 10% down, that supports a purchase price of roughly $243K. The median home in Tennessee is $330K.
What is the median home price in Tennessee?+
The median home price in Tennessee is $330,000 (2026). Prices vary significantly by metro — urban areas typically run 20–50% above the state median, while rural areas may be well below. The cost of living index for Tennessee is 90 (100 = national average).
What income do I need to afford the median home in Tennessee?+
To afford the $330K median home in Tennessee with a 10% down payment ($33,000) and 6.84% rate (30 years), you need a gross annual income of at least $69,000 — following the 28% rule. The state median household income is $59,000.
What debt-to-income ratio do lenders require in Tennessee?+
Lenders in Tennessee (and nationwide) generally require a total DTI below 43% for conventional loans, with 36% preferred. FHA loans allow up to 50% DTI in some cases. This means your total monthly debt payments — mortgage, car loan, student loans, and credit cards — should not exceed 43% of your gross monthly income ($2,114 on the Tennessee median income).
How does Tennessee's cost of living affect home affordability?+
Tennessee has a cost of living index of 90 (100 = national average). Tennessee's cost of living is near the national average, so total housing affordability is similar to most other states.

Data Sources & Methodology

Median home prices from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Median household income from U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Mortgage rates from Freddie Mac PMMS. Affordability calculations use the 28/36 DTI rule per Fannie Mae guidelines. Last updated 2026.

Home Affordability by State

Compare home affordability across all 50 states using local income and price data.