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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Virginia Beach is 58% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,649/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 32%
$90,685/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 44%
$366,300 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 42%
$1,704/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 37%
457,066
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $39,691/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 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

Virginia Beach vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Knoxville?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Knoxville?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $39,691/year higher in Virginia Beach.
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 Virginia Beach or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Knoxville details →

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