Tennessee
Low tax burden · COL index 92
Wins 8 categories
Virginia
Moderate tax burden · COL index 102
Wins 7 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).
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Category wins
8
Tennessee
7
Virginia
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INCOME TAXES MAY IMPACT HIGHER EARNERS Unlike states such as Florida or Tennessee, Virginia does have a state income tax. While it offers deductions for retirees, the tax brackets range from 2% to 5.75%, and income from pensions, 401ks and IRAs may be taxed above those deductions.
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