Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Albuquerque is 32% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,085/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 40%
$65,604/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 44%
$266,700 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 35%
$1,149/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 46%
562,488
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $438/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $5,256/year.

Median household income is $28,585/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Chesapeake slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $438/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $28,585/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Virginia?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,523/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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