RentData

Average Rent in Cleveland, TN↑ Rents rising 3.0% YoY🔺 5th priciest in TN

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 127,445

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Cleveland, TN has rental prices ranging from $884/month to $1,669/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $971/month — 31% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $63,490/year, spending $971/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Cleveland Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,270/month, Cleveland ranks #5 most expensive of the 74 cities tracked in Tennessee — pricier than 80% of all US cities in our data.

The Cleveland Rental Market

The Cleveland, TN area has a population of about 127,445 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Cleveland, TN have risen by $37/month (3.0%) over the past year, from $1,233 to $1,270. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Cleveland, TN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $38,840. The local median household income of $63,490 exceeds that threshold by $24,650, making Cleveland relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Cleveland, TN is $308,369, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 20.2. With a break-even horizon of approximately 20 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$884
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$971
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,270
↑3.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,593
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,669
Average
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▼
Median Home Value
$308,369
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,641/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Cleveland, TN Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$50,800/year
Local median income: $63,490
To buy a median home
$65,651/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,270/month and 20% down on a $308,369 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in TNlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Nashville$1,585$1,650$1,798$2,309—
Grainger County$481$575$689$924—
Grainger County$756$761$995$1,378—
Knoxville$1,171$1,178$1,475$1,844—
Stewart County$693$812$995$1,378—
Kingsport$760$845$1,091$1,375—

Rent or Buy in Cleveland?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Cleveland data

$
Home Value
$308,369
2BR Rent
$1,270/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,641/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,271/movs rent: $1,270/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $308,369 home at 7% rate

20% — $61,674
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,641
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$246,695
Total Paid
$590,857
Total Interest
$344,162
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Cleveland

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Cleveland

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Cleveland

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Cleveland

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in TN

See how Cleveland ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Cleveland

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋TN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections