Average Rent in Kingsport, TN↑ Rents rising 15.2% YoY

Kingsport, TN has rental prices ranging from $738/month to $1,538/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $824/month — 41% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $55,948/year, spending $824/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Kingsport Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,043/month, Kingsport ranks #13 most expensive of the 73 cities tracked in Tennessee — pricier than 70% of all US cities in our data.

The Kingsport Rental Market

The Kingsport, TN area has a population of about 309,580 and 26% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Kingsport, TN have risen by $138/month (15.2%) over the past year, from $905 to $1,043. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Kingsport, TN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,960. The local median household income of $55,948 exceeds that threshold by $22,988, making Kingsport relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Kingsport, TN is $257,361, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 20.6. With a break-even horizon of approximately 21 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Is Kingsport, TN Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Kingsport?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Kingsport

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.