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Moving from Tennessee to Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge. vs. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

TN state flag
Living now

Tennessee

Capital: Nashville

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 30°F · 207 sunny days

Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

VA state flag
Moving to

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

Virginia has an overall price level 101.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Tennessee
91.9
Virginia
101.1
Virginia has 10% higher overall price level
Housing index
Tennessee
79.1
Virginia
106.8
Virginia has 35% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.0
Virginia
100.3
Virginia has 2.4% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.8
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 1.4% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Tennessee
15.1 ¢/kWh
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Virginia has 13% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.4
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 1.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Tennessee
$332,600
Virginia
$403,500
Virginia is 21% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Tennessee
$1,180/mo
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Virginia is 29% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Tennessee
89°F
Virginia
87°F
Virginia is 2.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Tennessee
30°F
Virginia
28°F
Virginia is 6.7% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Tennessee
58°F
Virginia
56°F
Virginia is 3.6% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Tennessee
207
Virginia
208
Annual precipitation
Tennessee
54 in
Virginia
44 in
Virginia is 18% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Tennessee
50
Virginia
41
Virginia has 18% lower AQI
Snow / year
Tennessee
5 in
Virginia
15 in
Virginia is 200% more annual snowfall

Get the full TennesseeVirginia report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Virginia than Tennessee?

Virginia's overall price level is roughly 100.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 91.9 for Tennessee — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Tennessee tops out at 0% income tax. Virginia tops out at 5.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Virginia?

Most Virginia residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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