Tennessee
Low tax burden · COL index 92
Wins 7 categories
Virginia
Moderate tax burden · COL index 102
Wins 6 categories
Tennessee has no state income tax. Virginia's top rate is 5.75%. Cost of living in Virginia (index 102) runs 11% higher than Tennessee (index 92). Politically, Tennessee voted Republican in 2024 (R+24.0) while Virginia went Democratic (D+3.0).
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
7
Tennessee
6
Virginia
Run the full slider tool to score these states against your specific income, home value, retirement, and lifestyle priorities.
Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Tennessee?
What are the drawbacks to living in Tennessee?
Is it better to retire in Tennessee or Virginia?
Are more people moving to or leaving Virginia?