Is Knoxville, TN cheaper than Richmond, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Knoxville, TN is 5.4% cheaper than Richmond, VA. This translates to saving $407 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Richmond, VA, you'd need approximately $145,110.456 in Knoxville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Knoxville, TN is 6.6% cheaper than in Richmond, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,495/month in Knoxville, TN compared to $1,710/month in Richmond, VA.

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

Moving from Richmond, VA to Knoxville, TN could save you approximately $407 per month, or $4890 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Richmond, VA vs Knoxville, TN: 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 Richmond, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $407/month moving to Knoxville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.1K in Knoxville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Richmond, VA area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$407

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.9K

Per year

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

Richmond, VA

Population:230K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$350K

Knoxville, TN

Population:198K

Cost Index:

(5% below avg)

Median Home:$369K

Richmond, VA

The Old Dominion State

230K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 230K residents.

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Richmond, VA vs Knoxville, TN

Category	Richmond, VA	Knoxville, TN	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,547/mo	$2,378/mo	↓ $168less	6.6%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$468/mo	↓ $105less	18.4%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,668/mo	↓ $89.54less	5.1%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$556/mo	↓ $75.92less	12.0%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,236/mo	↓ $47.81less	3.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$967/mo	↑ $8.05more	0.8%

Housing

↓ 6.6%

Richmond, VA

$2,547

Knoxville, TN

$2,378

Difference

$168

less

All Utilities

↓ 18.4%

Richmond, VA

$574

Knoxville, TN

$468

Difference

$105

less

Other

↓ 5.1%

Richmond, VA

$1,758

Knoxville, TN

$1,668

Difference

$89.54

less

Healthcare

↓ 12.0%

Richmond, VA

$632

Knoxville, TN

$556

Difference

$75.92

less

Transportation

↓ 3.7%

Richmond, VA

$1,284

Knoxville, TN

$1,236

Difference

$47.81

less

Groceries

↑ 0.8%

Richmond, VA

$959

Knoxville, TN

$967

Difference

$8.05

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,490

To$1,200

↓ $290

1 Bed

From$1,560

To$1,200

↓ $360

2 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,495

↓ $215

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,891

↓ $249

Richmond, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,920/mo

Knoxville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,480/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.

$7,753

Monthly in Richmond, VA

$7,274

Monthly in Knoxville, TN

$479

Difference

Home Values

Richmond

Knoxville

$350K

Median Value

$369K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↑ +0.7%

↑ +39.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +64.1%

$234K - $619K

Price Range

$196K - $638K

Homes in Knoxville are 5% more expensive than Richmond

Calculate payment - Richmond Calculate payment - Knoxville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$697

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Richmond, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Richmond, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Knoxville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 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.