Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Knoxville, TN?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 37% of gross income.
Knoxville rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Tennessee state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Tennessee cities have lower median rent than Knoxville, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Knoxville
View full rent data for Knoxville, TN →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Knoxville, TN?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,726 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Tennessee earns about $55,927 a year, which makes that rent 37% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Knoxville?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Tennessee (~$55,927/yr) supports up to $1,398 a month in rent. Knoxville's current median rent is $1,726/mo, which is $328/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Knoxville?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Tennessee works roughly 64.2 hours a month to cover Knoxville's median rent of $1,726.
Where is rent cheaper than Knoxville for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Tennessee cities with lower median rent include White House ($1,725/mo), Sevierville ($1,725/mo), Lakeland ($1,725/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.