Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Anchorage and Chesapeake have a similar cost of living.

$1,453/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 5%
$98,152/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↓ 4%
$375,900 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 4%
$1,698/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↓ 1%
289,069
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $3,963/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Anchorage or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $3,963/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Virginia?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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.
View Anchorage details → View Chesapeake details →

More Comparisons

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Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland