Average Rent in Knoxville, TN↑ Rents rising 26.8% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in TN

Knoxville, TN has rental prices ranging from $1,256/month to $2,335/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,264/month — 10% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $69,734/year, spending $1,264/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Knoxville Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,548/month, Knoxville ranks #2 most expensive of the 73 cities tracked in Tennessee — pricier than 93% of all US cities in our data.

The Knoxville Rental Market

The Knoxville, TN area has a population of about 919,553 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Knoxville, TN have risen by $327/month (26.8%) over the past year, from $1,221 to $1,548. 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 Knoxville, TN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $50,560. The local median household income of $69,734 exceeds that threshold by $19,174, making Knoxville relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Knoxville, TN is $374,802, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 20.2. With a break-even horizon of approximately 20 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Knoxville's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Beaumont ($179,601 median home value), Burlington ($187,872 median home value), College Hills ($190,614 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Knoxville, TN Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Knoxville?

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

Living in Knoxville

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