Columbus vs Knoxville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Knoxville is 14% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $836/mo vs $951/mo in Columbus — saving $1,380/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbus | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $608 | $566 | $42 |
| 1 Bedroom | $764 | $693 | $71 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $951 | $836 | $115 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,108 | $1,106 | $2 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,375 | $1,220 | $155 |
| Median Income | $63,239 | $54,020 | $9,219 |
Columbus
- Studio
- $608/mo
- 1 BR
- $764/mo
- 2 BR
- $951/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,108/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,375/mo
- Median Income
- $63,239/yr
Knoxville
- Studio
- $566/mo
- 1 BR
- $693/mo
- 2 BR
- $836/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,106/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,220/mo
- Median Income
- $54,020/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or Knoxville cheaper to rent in?
Knoxville is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $836/mo vs $951/mo in Columbus. That's $115/mo or $1,380/year more expensive in Columbus (14% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbus vs Knoxville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbus is $951/month. In Knoxville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $836/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbus and Knoxville?
The median household income in Columbus is $63,239/year. In Knoxville it is $54,020/year. Columbus has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbus vs Knoxville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbus is $608/mo. In Knoxville it is $566/mo.