Cost of Living in Cheatham County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cheatham County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cheatham County ranks #1,951 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cheatham County, Tennessee
Cheatham's higher income, higher costs
Cheatham County renters spend 18.6% of household income on rent—above the national average and higher than most Tennessee counties—yet this county boasts above-average median household income of $82,015. The elevated ratio reflects Cheatham's position as a growing suburban area where housing costs have climbed faster than incomes.
Premium pricing for proximity
With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.6%, Cheatham ranks among Tennessee's least affordable counties despite robust local incomes. The median rent of $1,274 is the highest among our eight-county sample and far exceeds the state average of $860, a premium driven largely by proximity to Nashville's expanding job market.
Clear price jump near Nashville
Cheatham's $1,274 median rent and $1,155 in owner costs dwarf nearby rural counties like Carroll ($757 rent) and Chester ($714 rent). The $291,400 median home value tells the story: Cheatham sits in Nashville's suburban orbit, where land values and development pressure have driven prices significantly higher.
Highest earners, highest housing bills
Cheatham's median household income of $82,015 leads our sample, yet residents still dedicate 18.6% to rent or 16.9% to mortgage payments. The higher absolute dollar amounts—$1,274 for rent, $1,155 for ownership—reflect the county's suburban character and proximity to Nashville's strong labor market.
Worth it if Nashville job awaits
Cheatham County offers the strongest incomes in this group and reasonable commute access to Nashville's job market, but housing costs are significantly higher. If you're relocating for a well-paying position, Cheatham provides suburban living; if you're income-flexible, cheaper rural alternatives await nearby.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cheatham County
Affordability Verdict
Cheatham County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,274/month representing approximately 18.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Cheatham County is $1,274/month, while owner costs run $1,155/month. Owning saves approximately $119/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $50,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,500/year. With a median household income of $82,015, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Cheatham County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Cheatham County sits 5% more expensive than Montgomery County ($1,219/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cheatham County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,914
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
The median home in Cheatham County may be a stretch
Median home value is $291,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,326 vs. your max of $1,914.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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