Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Arlington is 15% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,389/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 10%
$73,519/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 28%
$276,400 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 30%
$1,420/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 18%
394,769
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $20,670/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Arlington or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $20,670/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Chesapeake details →

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