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

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Knoxville is 15% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,116/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 15%
$50,994/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 31%
$214,000 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 14%
$1,075/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 24%
193,721
Population
184,774

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $15,724/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Newport News — common questions

Is Knoxville or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Newport News?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Newport News?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $15,724/year higher in Newport News.
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 Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Newport News has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,285/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Newport News details →

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