Can You Afford to Buy a Home in Knoxville?
The median home in Knoxville costs $255,300. To afford it at current mortgage rates with 20% down, you need a household income of about $71,443/year. Your monthly payment would be around $1,667, including taxes and insurance.
Based on national median home values adjusted by Knoxville’s Regional Price Parity (92.57). Current 30-year fixed rate: 6.52% (Freddie Mac, as of Jun 11, 2026). Methodology
Sponsored links, AffordMap may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Monthly payment breakdown
$255,300 home, 20% down, 6.52% rate, 30-year fixed
Rent vs. buy in Knoxville
Buying costs $196/mo more than renting, but you build equity. Over 5 years at current appreciation rates, homeowners in similar markets have gained significant equity.
What can you afford in Knoxville?
Home price you can afford at each salary level (28% DTI, 20% down)
| Salary | Home you can afford | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
| $50K | $157K | $1,667 |
| $75K | $272K | $1,667 |
| $100K | $387K | $1,667 |
| $125K | $502K | $1,667 |
| $150K | $617K | $1,667 |
| $200K | $847K | $1,667 |
Based on 28% front-end DTI ratio, 20% down payment, 6.52% 30-year fixed rate, 1.1% property tax, ~$150/mo insurance.
Can common careers afford a home in Knoxville?
Local median salary vs. the $71K needed to buy
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to buy a home in Knoxville?
To comfortably afford the median home ($255,300) in Knoxville with a 20% down payment and current mortgage rates, you need a household income of about $71,443. That keeps your housing costs at or below 28% of your gross income, which is the standard lender guideline.
How much does a house cost in Knoxville?
The median home price in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $255,300, based on the Census ACS 2023 median home value for the metro. Prices vary widely by neighborhood. A 20% down payment would be $51,060, or $12,765 at 5% down.
What would my monthly mortgage be in Knoxville?
On a $255,300 home with 20% down at current rates, your estimated monthly payment would be $1,667 including principal, interest, property tax, and insurance. With only 5% down, add about $101/mo for PMI.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Knoxville?
Median 2-bedroom rent in Knoxville is $1,471/mo (HUD Fair Market Rent). The estimated mortgage payment on the median home is $1,667/mo. Buying costs more per month, but you build equity over time.