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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Knoxville is 16% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,116/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 21%
$50,994/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 33%
$214,000 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$234,100 ↑ 9%
$1,075/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 25%
193,721
Population
137,334

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $16,764/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Hampton — common questions

Is Knoxville or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Hampton?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Hampton?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $16,764/year higher in Hampton.
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 Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Hampton details →

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