Average Rent in Knoxville, TN (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville, TN is $1,228/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 30 ZIP codes. Rents have changed -0.3% year over year. Rents range from $980 to $1,780.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$1,228/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 30 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↓ -0.3%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville, TN is $1,228/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 30 ZIP codes. Rents have decreased 0.3% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville is 3% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Knoxville, TN ranges from $980 to $1,780 across 30 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Knoxville, TN is approximately 0.3% for 2026. An increase above 0.3% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Knoxville, TN?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville, TN is $1,228/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 30 ZIP codes. Rents range from $980 to $1,780 depending on neighborhood — a $800/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $49,120/year.
Is rent going up in Knoxville?
Rents in Knoxville have decreased 0.3% year over year based on local market data. Declining rents may give renters leverage when negotiating renewals.
What is a fair rent increase in Knoxville?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 0.3% is in line with the Knoxville market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Knoxville
-0.3%
Rents in Knoxville are holding steady at -0.3% year-over-year.
⚠ Mixed signals
Market sources range from -6.6% to +3.2%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+3.2%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (-1.2%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Knoxville right now.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Knoxville?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Knoxville typically rents for $1,219 – $1,317.
Rents above $1,515 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Knoxville typically rents for $1,228 – $1,326.
Rents above $1,525 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Knoxville typically rents for $1,526 – $1,648.
Rents above $1,895 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Knoxville typically rents for $1,934 – $2,089.
Rents above $2,402 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Knoxville typically rents for $2,254 – $2,434.
Rents above $2,799 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Knoxville
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$1,219
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$1,228
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$1,526
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$1,934
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$2,254
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Knoxville
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
Showing top 20 of 30 zip codes.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific.
How Does Knoxville Compare?
Questions about rent in Knoxville
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville, TN?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Knoxville, TN is $1,228/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 30 ZIP codes in the city. This is 3% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $980 to $1,780 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Knoxville?
A rent increase up to about 0.3% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Knoxville. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $1,228/month.
Are rents going up or down in Knoxville?
Rents in Knoxville have decreased 0.3% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 30 ZIP codes in the Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area area.
How much do rents vary across Knoxville?
1-bedroom rents across Knoxville range from $980 to $1,780 on this page, a $800/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Knoxville?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Knoxville. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.
How much should I spend on rent in Knoxville?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Knoxville at $1,228/month, a household would need approximately $49,120/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse Knoxville ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in Tennessee →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in Tennessee.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →