Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Chesapeake is 51% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,523/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 27%
$94,189/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 46%
$359,100 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 40%
$1,680/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 36%
251,153
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $43,195/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Knoxville?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Knoxville?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $43,195/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Tennessee?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Knoxville details →

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