Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kingsport?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kingsport, you need to earn at least $37,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $48,228, which means the typical resident is $11,028 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 55,415

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$651	$2,170	$26,040	$-22,188
1 Bedroom	$772	$2,573	$30,880	$-17,348
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$930	$3,100	$37,200	$-11,028
3 Bedroom	$1,135	$3,783	$45,400	$-2,828
4 Bedroom	$1,395	$4,650	$55,800	+$7,572

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Kingsport's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$48,228

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$11,028

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Kingsport

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kingsport's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,206

Studio

$651/mo

1 BR

$772/mo

2 BR

$930/mo

3 BR

$1,135/mo

4 BR

$1,395/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Kingsport.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Kingsport's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kingsport

Living in Kingsport is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $11,028 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Kingsport typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Kingsport, a studio at $651/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,135/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,400.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $55,800 would position you well — though many residents in Kingsport manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Kingsport, Tennessee.

With a total population of 55,415, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 23,289 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,200 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

23,289

Active civilian employees in Kingsport

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kingsport

What salary do I need to live in Kingsport, Tennessee?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kingsport under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,200. The median household income in Kingsport is $48,228.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kingsport on $48,228?

The affordability verdict for Kingsport is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.1%, meaning median earners have a $11,028 surplus.

What is the average rent in Kingsport compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Kingsport is $772/month. With a median household income of $48,228, residents spend approximately 23.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kingsport?

A studio in Kingsport rents for approximately $651/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,040 to afford this.

Is Kingsport considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $11,028 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Kingsport is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,200 to the local median household income.

How Kingsport Compares

Other cities in Tennessee with salary requirements