Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Portland, TN?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33% of gross income.
Portland 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 Portland, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Portland
View full rent data for Portland, TN →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Portland, TN?
Median rent in Portland is $1,698 a month. A typical plumber in Tennessee earns about $61,732 a year, which makes that rent 33% 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 Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Tennessee (~$61,732/yr) supports up to $1,543 a month in rent. Portland's current median rent is $1,698/mo, which is $155/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a plumber in Tennessee works roughly 57.2 hours a month to cover Portland's median rent of $1,698.
Where is rent cheaper than Portland for a plumber?
Nearby Tennessee cities with lower median rent include Oak Ridge ($1,697/mo), Knoxville ($1,696/mo), Knoxville ($1,693/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.