Budgeting Smarter in Antioch
Whether you’re a new mover or long-time resident, understanding how to budget in Antioch is key to making the most of your money. In Antioch, housing and electricity often make up more than 55% of a household’s budget. But depending on your lifestyle, your monthly budget in Antioch can look very different. Here are some typical examples.
What Real Budgets Look Like in Antioch
Let’s start by walking through the monthly budget of Jasmine, a 27-year-old single renter working a remote job with a gross income of $3,000 per month:
- Rent for a studio apartment: $1,100
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $200
- Groceries and dining out: $400
- Car payment and gas: $300
- Renters insurance: $25
- Miscellaneous (entertainment, shopping): $300
- Savings: $675
As you can see, even with a modest income, Jasmine is able to save over 20% of her gross pay by keeping her major expenses like housing and transportation reasonable for her budget.
Now let’s look at a few more examples of typical monthly budgets in Antioch:
| Expense | Jasmine Single Renter $3,000/mo | Sam & Elena Renting Couple $7,000/mo | The Ortiz Family Homeowners, 2 Kids $9,500/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortgage/Rent | $1,100 | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $200 | $350 | $500 |
| Food | $400 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| HOA/Insurance | $25 | $50 | $350 |
| Miscellaneous | $300 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Savings | $675 | $2,500 | $2,750 |
These estimates reflect common lifestyle costs in Antioch.
Biggest Cost Drivers
While every household’s spending is unique, there are some common factors that tend to drive up monthly budgets in Antioch:
- Seasonal utility costs: Antioch summers are hot and humid, meaning air conditioning is a must. Electricity bills often spike in July and August as residents try to stay cool. Expect to budget extra for utilities in the summer months.
- HOA fees: Many of the newer subdivisions and planned communities in Antioch have monthly HOA fees to maintain shared amenities and landscaping. These can add anywhere from $100-500+ to homeowners’ monthly expenses.
- Commute costs: While Antioch offers easy access to downtown Nashville, many residents still rely on their cars to get around. Gas, maintenance, and car payments add up. Public transit like the WeGo bus system can help some commuters save.
- Rising rents: As Antioch and the greater Nashville area have grown in recent years, rental prices have climbed. Renters should prepare for potential rent hikes upon lease renewal and budget accordingly.
Tips to Stretch Your Budget Further
Living in Antioch on a budget takes some strategy, but it’s very doable. Some ways to keep your monthly costs in check:
- Shop at discount grocery stores like Aldi or Walmart Neighborhood Market for food essentials
- Take advantage of free activities and entertainment, like visiting public parks or attending community events
- Use energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances to minimize electric bills
- Consider ditching your car in favor of public transportation, biking, or walking when possible
🏆 Pro tip: Check with your utility providers about rebates and incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades. Some offer discounts on smart thermostats, insulation, and more to help you save on monthly bills.
FAQs About Monthly Budgets in Antioch
Can you live in Antioch on $3,000 a month?
Yes, $3,000 a month is a workable budget for a single person in Antioch, as long as you find an affordable rental and don’t have many other debt obligations. Stick to a simple lifestyle and you can even save a decent chunk of money each month.
What’s a realistic rent budget for Antioch?
Expect to spend at least $1,000 for a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Antioch. Nicer properties or those in prime locations like Providence Place can run $1,400+ for a one-bedroom. Renting a single-family home starts around $1,800.
What’s a good budget breakdown for $4,000 a month in Antioch?
Aiming for the 50/30/20 budget, you’d allocate $2,000 for needs like rent and bills, $1,200 for wants like dining out and entertainment, and $800 for savings and debt repayment. Of course, you can adjust the percentages to fit your lifestyle.
Planning Your Next Steps
Budgeting is highly personal, so use these examples as a starting point to craft your own Antioch monthly budget. List out your income and expenses, and see how they align with what’s typical for the area. The key is striking a balance between covering your needs, enjoying some wants, and still saving for the future.
Want to see how your budget might change in a different Nashville neighborhood? Check out our cost of living guides for Nashville, Franklin, and Murfreesboro to compare.