Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Knoxville, TN

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Knoxville are Belmont West, Cedar Heights, and Uptown Knoxville. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Knoxville, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 5, 2026, the average rent in Knoxville is $1,313, which is 1.7% lower than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Belmont West

Average Rent

$1,100/Month

Units Available

14 Rentals

Belmont West is an affordable neighborhood in Knoxville with an average rent price of $1,100. Compare this to the city average of $1,313. Belmont West provides easy access to Maloney Road Park, McGhee Tyson, and South College.

Cedar Heights

Average Rent

$1,172/Month

Units Available

14 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Knoxville, Cedar Heights might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,172, while the city’s average stands at $1,313. Cedar Heights is near Lincoln Memorial University, Pellissippi State, Magnolia, and Merchant's Village Shopping Center.

Uptown Knoxville

Average Rent

$1,219/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.6%

TransitScore® Rating

31/100

Units Available

130 Rentals

Known for its central location, Uptown Knoxville is located between I-275 and North Broadway. The neighborhood is filled with historical and affordable housing options. Uptown Knoxville provides easy access to the Knoxville Museum of Art as well as a variety of shops, parks, and breweries.

Laurel Place

Average Rent

$1,272/Month

Units Available

10 Rentals

Laurel Place is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Laurel Place is $1,272 while the city average is $1,313. Residents enjoy convenient access to The Muse Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center, and Knoxville Zoo.

Fort Sanders

Average Rent

$1,305/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.6%

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

132 Rentals

Nestled adjacent to the University of Tennessee, Fort Sanders offers a mix of historic architecture and budget-friendly rentals. Just a short stroll from World’s Fair Park, residents can enjoy outdoor recreation and cultural events. With its proximity to downtown, it's easy to explore Market Square's dining and entertainment options.

Dixie Meadows

Average Rent

$1,312/Month

TransitScore® Rating

28/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Knoxville neighborhood on a budget, check out Dixie Meadows. The average rent is $1,312, compared to the city average of $1,313. Dixie Meadows is convenient to Pellissippi State, Division St, McGhee Tyson, and The Shops at Forest Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.

Middlebrook Heights

Average Rent

$1,341/Month

TransitScore® Rating

27/100

Units Available

25 Rentals

Middlebrook Heights is an affordable neighborhood in Knoxville with an average rent price of $1,341. Compare this to the city average of $1,313. Middlebrook Heights provides easy access to Frank H. McClung Museum, Pellissippi State, Division St, and Marine Park (Tennessee River). It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 16.

Hollywood Hills

Average Rent

$1,369/Month

TransitScore® Rating

29/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Knoxville, Hollywood Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,369, while the city’s average stands at $1,313. Hollywood Hills is near UT Knoxville, Andes Centre, and McGhee Tyson.

Creekwood

Average Rent

$1,370/Month

TransitScore® Rating

1/100

Units Available

17 Rentals

Creekwood is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Creekwood is $1,370 while the city average is $1,313. Residents enjoy convenient access to University of Tennessee Arboretum, South College, and North Cedar Bluff Plaza. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 43.

Marble City

Average Rent

$1,416/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.8%

TransitScore® Rating

30/100

Units Available

46 Rentals

Located near the Tennessee River, Marble City is home to several parks, including Third Creek Greenway Park and John Tarleton Park. Affordable apartments and 19th-century mansions line the tree-shaded streets, creating a picturesque atmosphere. Marble City is known for its fantastic dining scene, with restaurants serving everything from BBQ to Ethiopian.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.