Average Rent in Johnson City, TN↑ Rents rising 7.0% YoY🔺 7th priciest in TN
HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 208,934
Market Overview
Johnson City, TN has rental prices ranging from $942/month to $1,609/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $948/month — 32% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $56,096/year, spending $948/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Johnson City Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,211/month, Johnson City ranks #7 most expensive of the 74 cities tracked in Tennessee — pricier than 75% of all US cities in our data.
The Johnson City Rental Market
The Johnson City, TN area has a population of about 208,934 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Johnson City, TN have risen by $79/month (7.0%) over the past year, from $1,132 to $1,211. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Johnson City, TN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $37,920. The local median household income of $56,096 exceeds that threshold by $18,176, making Johnson City relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Rent vs. Buy
The median home value in Johnson City, TN is $292,890, 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.
Neighborhoods
Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Johnson City's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Mountain Home ($168,350 median home value), West Davis Park ($212,414 median home value), South Side ($246,176 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2027Is Johnson City, 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 Johnson City?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Johnson City data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $292,890 home at 7% rate
Living in Johnson City
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Frequently Asked Questions
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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Johnson CityIs it cheaper to rent or buy here?
💵Rent Affordability in Johnson CitySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in TNSee how Johnson City ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Johnson CitySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋TN Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections