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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Norfolk is 20% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,246/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 10%
$64,017/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 20%
$271,900 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 21%
$1,366/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 21%
235,037
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $13,023/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 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

Norfolk vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Norfolk or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Knoxville?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Knoxville?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $13,023/year higher in Norfolk.
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 Norfolk or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Knoxville details →

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