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
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 FY2027Is Cleveland, TN Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in TNlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $308,369 home at 7% rate
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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⚖️Rent vs Buy in ClevelandIs it cheaper to rent or buy here?
💵Rent Affordability in ClevelandSalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in TNSee how Cleveland ranks statewide
⚖️Compare ClevelandSide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋TN Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections