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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Austin is 20% more expensive than Chesapeake.

$1,655/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↓ 8%
$91,461/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 3%
$512,700 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 30%
$1,747/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↓ 4%
967,862
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $2,728/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Austin or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $2,728/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 Austin or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Chesapeake details →

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