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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Knoxville is 57% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,116/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 82%
$50,994/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 123%
$214,000 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 226%
$1,075/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 102%
193,721
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $915/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $10,980/year.

Median household income is $62,644/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Knoxville or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Alexandria?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $915/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Alexandria?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $62,644/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Virginia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Alexandria details →

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