Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Knoxville is 16% more affordable than Virginia Beach. A $75,000 salary in Virginia Beach is equivalent to $62,857 in Knoxville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Virginia Beach scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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