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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Virginia Beach, VA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

3.0% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper housing
4.2% 4.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Nashville
108
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 4.2% more
Nashville
95
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 5.4% more
Nashville
93
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 3.1% more
Nashville
97
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index991023.0% more
Housing108108~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,3502.2% less
Median Home Price$395,000$340,00013.9% less
Groceries95994.2% more
Transportation99100~Same
Healthcare93985.4% more
Utilities971003.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Virginia Beach, VA
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Virginia Beach outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Virginia Beach to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville and Virginia Beach → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Virginia Beach →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Nashville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 0.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $30 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Virginia Beach?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Nashville to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $76,000 in Virginia Beach. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Nashville vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Virginia averages 0.74%.