Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Knoxville, TN?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.7% of gross income.
Knoxville rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Tennessee state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Tennessee cities have lower median rent than Knoxville, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Knoxville
View full rent data for Knoxville, TN →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Knoxville, TN?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,735 a month. A typical plumber in Tennessee earns about $61,732 a year, which makes that rent 33.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Knoxville?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Tennessee (~$61,732/yr) supports up to $1,543 a month in rent. Knoxville's current median rent is $1,735/mo, which is $192/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Knoxville?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a plumber in Tennessee works roughly 58.5 hours a month to cover Knoxville's median rent of $1,735.
Where is rent cheaper than Knoxville for a plumber?
Nearby Tennessee cities with lower median rent include Goodlettsville ($1,733/mo), Alcoa ($1,732/mo), Lenoir City ($1,732/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.