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Moving from Virginia to Tennessee

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

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

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

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

TN state flag
Moving to

Tennessee

Capital: Nashville

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

Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

Tennessee has an overall price level 91.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Virginia
101.1
Tennessee
91.9
Tennessee has 9.1% lower overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
Tennessee
79.1
Tennessee has 26% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
Tennessee
98.0
Tennessee has 2.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Tennessee
98.8
Tennessee has 1.4% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Tennessee
15.1 ¢/kWh
Tennessee has 12% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Tennessee
98.4
Tennessee has 1.8% lower transportation
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
Tennessee
$332,600
Tennessee is 18% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Tennessee
$1,180/mo
Tennessee is 22% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 89°F · Winter low 30°F · 207 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Virginia
87°F
Tennessee
89°F
Tennessee is 2.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
Tennessee
30°F
Tennessee is 7.1% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
Tennessee
58°F
Tennessee is 3.8% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
Tennessee
207
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
Tennessee
54 in
Tennessee is 22% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
Tennessee
50
Tennessee has 22% higher AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
Tennessee
5 in
Tennessee is 67% less annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaTennessee 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 Tennessee than Virginia?

Tennessee's overall price level is roughly 91.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia — 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?

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

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

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

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