Tennessee vs Virginia Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,241
in Tennessee
$73,386
in Virginia
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Tennessee | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 82.4 | 106.7 | -23% |
| Groceries | 96.8 | 99.7 | -3% |
| Utilities | 88.1 | 97.5 | -10% |
| Transportation | 88.7 | 95.5 | -7% |
| Healthcare | 86.4 | 107.6 | -20% |
| Dining & Misc | 95.3 | 101.5 | -6% |
| Overall | 90.1 | 102.2 | -12% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Tennessee.
What things actually cost
| Item | Tennessee | Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $310,000 | $380,000 | $70,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,154/mo | $1,494/mo | $340 |
| Gas price | $3.14/gal | $3.32/gal | $0.18 |
| Electric bill | $97/mo | $94/mo | +$2 |
| Infant childcare | $12,249/yr | $14,277/yr | $2,028 |
Salary equivalent: Tennessee → Virginia
What a Tennessee salary buys you in Virginia, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Tennessee | Equivalent in Virginia | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $56,715 | $-6,715 |
| $75,000 | $85,072 | $-10,072 |
| $100,000 | $113,430 | $-13,430 |
| $150,000 | $170,144 | $-20,144 |
| $200,000 | $226,859 | $-26,859 |
Positive = your money goes further in Virginia. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Virginia is 12% more expensive than Tennessee overall. Virginia has an index of 102.2 vs 90.1 for Tennessee (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Tennessee or Virginia?
Tennessee is cheaper to live in. Virginia is 12% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $310,000 in Tennessee vs $380,000 in Virginia.
Is Tennessee cheaper than Virginia?
Yes, Tennessee is 12% cheaper than Virginia overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Virginia more expensive than Tennessee?
Yes, Virginia is 12% more expensive than Tennessee based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Virginia equals $100,000 in Tennessee?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Tennessee, you would need approximately $113,430 in Virginia. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (90.1 vs 102.2).
How do housing costs compare between Tennessee and Virginia?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Tennessee. Median home prices are $310,000 in Tennessee vs $380,000 in Virginia — a $70,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,154/mo vs $1,494/mo.
What costs more in Tennessee vs Virginia?
Housing is 23% lower in Tennessee (index 82.4 vs 106.7). Healthcare is 20% lower in Tennessee (index 86.4 vs 107.6). Utilities is 10% lower in Tennessee (index 88.1 vs 97.5).
Is gas cheaper in Tennessee or Virginia?
Gas averages $3.14/gallon in Tennessee and $3.32/gallon in Virginia — a $0.18 difference per gallon.
Tennessee vs Virginia cost of living — how do they compare?
Tennessee has an overall cost-of-living index of 90.1 and Virginia has 102.2 (national average = 100). Virginia is 12% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Virginia?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages. It fully repealed its tax on investment income in 2021. Virginia uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.75% on income above $17,001. Use the Tennessee vs Virginia paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Tennessee and Virginia?
Tennessee has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. Virginia requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Tennessee Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Virginia Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Tennessee vs Virginia Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Tennessee — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Virginia — How much house can you afford?
- Tennessee Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Virginia Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Tennessee Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Virginia Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Tennessee Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Virginia Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.