Is Newport News, VA cheaper than Knoxville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Newport News, VA is 5.7% more expensive than Knoxville, TN. This translates to spending an extra $431 per month.

What salary do I need in Newport News, VA to live like I do in Knoxville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Knoxville, TN, you'd need approximately $155,170.446 in Newport News, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Knoxville, TN and Newport News, VA?

Housing in Newport News, VA is 7.1% more expensive than in Knoxville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Newport News, VA compared to $1,495/month in Knoxville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Knoxville, TN to Newport News, VA?

Living in Newport News, VA costs approximately $431 more per month than Knoxville, TN, or $5170 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Knoxville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $431/month more in Newport News, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.2K in Newport News, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Knoxville, TN area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$431

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Knoxville, TN

Population:198K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$369K

Newport News, VA

Population:183K

Cost Index:

106

(6% above avg)

Median Home:$288K

Knoxville, TN

The Volunteer State

198K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 198K residents.

💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

Newport News, VA

The Old Dominion State

183K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 183K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Knoxville, TN vs Newport News, VA

Category	Knoxville, TN	Newport News, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,378/mo	$2,547/mo	↑ $168more	7.1%
All Utilities	$468/mo	$574/mo	↑ $105more	22.5%
Healthcare	$556/mo	$632/mo	↑ $75.92more	13.7%
Transportation	$1,236/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $47.81more	3.9%
Other	$1,668/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $39.32more	2.4%
Groceries	$967/mo	$959/mo	↓ $8.05less	0.8%

Housing

↑ 7.1%

Knoxville, TN

$2,378

Newport News, VA

$2,547

Difference

$168

All Utilities

↑ 22.5%

Knoxville, TN

$468

Newport News, VA

$574

Difference

$105

Healthcare

↑ 13.7%

Knoxville, TN

$556

Newport News, VA

$632

Difference

$75.92

Transportation

↑ 3.9%

Knoxville, TN

$1,236

Newport News, VA

$1,284

Difference

$47.81

Other

↑ 2.4%

Knoxville, TN

$1,668

Newport News, VA

$1,707

Difference

$39.32

Groceries

↓ 0.8%

Knoxville, TN

$967

Newport News, VA

$959

Difference

$8.05

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,200

To$1,445

↑ $245

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,465

↑ $265

2 Bed

From$1,495

To$1,660

↑ $165

3 Bed

From$1,891

To$2,305

↑ $414

Knoxville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,480/mo

Newport News, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,940/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,274

Monthly in Knoxville, TN

$7,703

Monthly in Newport News, VA

$429

Difference

Home Values

Knoxville

Newport News

$369K

Median Value

$288K

↑ +0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↑ +64.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

$196K - $638K

Price Range

$180K - $356K

Homes in Newport News are 22% less expensive than Knoxville

Calculate payment - Knoxville Calculate payment - Newport News

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $8.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$697

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Knoxville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Newport News, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Knoxville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Newport News, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.