Kingsport Spirit

Recently, we were asked to evaluate a job move for a Kingsport employee considering opportunities in Savannah and Nashville. The key question: How much salary would it take to match a $50,000 income in Kingsport?

We analyzed the core cities as well as surrounding suburbs that offer the best combination of affordability and top-rated public schools.

Since some of these areas require a longer commute, we factored in the added cost of transportation. For example, living in Gallatin, TN, adds a 60-mile daily roundtrip commute and $15,652 per year. Living in Richmond Hill, GA, adds a 43-mile daily roundtrip commute and $11,233 per year.

To break it down, we used a cost-of-living calculator to compare everyday expenses like groceries and gas. We also accounted for state and local income taxes where applicable. Housing costs, including property taxes and mortgage expenses, played a major role in our calculations.

For school districts rated “C” or below, we included the cost of private school tuition—something that only applied to the core areas of Nashville and Savannah. All other public school districts scored “A” (excellent) or “B” (good). The median private school tuition in Nashville is $16,472 per year. In Savannah it’s $9,371.

The final results? If you earn $50,000 in Kingsport, you’d need $61,000–$95,000 in Nashville and $69,000–$78,000 in Savannah to maintain the same lifestyle.

Of course, numbers only tell part of the story. Higher coastal climate risk in Savannah and higher risk of damaging tornadoes in Middle Tennessee have uncalculated costs. A longer commute with increased stress, and less time with family and friends are also important considerations. Sometimes you just want a change in lifestyle and that’s certainly anyone’s prerogative. But it’s important to acknowledge the true cost and long-term financial ramifications.

After running these calculations hundreds of times, one thing is clear: the rolling hills and scenic mountains of Northeast Tennessee consistently deliver an unmatched quality of life at the most affordable cost. When evaluating job offers, it’s worth digging deeper to see if you’re truly coming out ahead.

Bottom line: Life’s short, be happy wherever you choose to be!