Rent Affordability for Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee (TN) Key Facts
Average 1 B R Rent
$1,100
Median Monthly Income
$4,833
Recommended Max Rent (30% Rule)
$1,450
Affordability Gap
Affordable
Rent to Income Ratio
22.8%
How This Calculator Works in Tennessee
This rent affordability calculator helps you determine how much rent you can reasonably afford in Tennessee based on your income and the 30% rule. Enter your monthly income and desired rent to see whether your housing costs are within a healthy range. The calculator also shows how your situation compares to the Tennessee average.
Tennessee Overview
With a median household income of $56,000, Tennessee residents can afford roughly $1,400/month in rent under the 30% guideline. Average 1-bedroom rent is about $1,100/month. Tennessee has no state income tax, which means renters keep more of their paycheck, effectively improving rent affordability compared to states with income taxes.
How Tennessee Compares
Tennessee's rent-to-income ratio of 22.8% is within the recommended 30% range. In neighboring North Carolina, the ratio is 23.0%. Nationally, about half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting the widespread challenge of rental affordability.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $1,150 | Average 1BR rent is $1,150 with median monthly income of $5,000. The 30% rule allows $1,500 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Virginia | $1,400 | Average 1BR rent is $1,400 with median monthly income of $6,667. The 30% rule allows $2,000 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Georgia | $1,250 | Average 1BR rent is $1,250 with median monthly income of $5,167. The 30% rule allows $1,550 for rent, which covers average rent. |
In Tennessee, the median household earns $58,000 annually ($4,833 per month). Using the 30% rule, the recommended maximum rent is $1,450 per month. With average 1BR rents at $1,100, rents are within the recommended affordability range. Nationally, about half of renters are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing).
Tips for Tennessee Residents
- 1The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In Tennessee, with a median household income of $56,000, the maximum recommended rent is about $1,400/month.
- 2Average 1-bedroom rent in Tennessee is roughly $1,100/month. This is within or near the 30% guideline for the median household, indicating reasonable affordability at the state level.
- 3Tennessee has no state income tax, which means renters keep more of their paycheck, effectively improving rent affordability compared to states with income taxes.
- 4Beyond rent, budget for utilities ($100-$300/month), renters insurance ($15-$30/month), and any parking or pet fees. These can add 10-20% on top of your base rent in Tennessee.
- 5If you are spending more than 30% of income on rent in Tennessee, look into housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers, state-funded rental assistance, or employer housing benefits.