Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Baltimore is 25% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,290/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 18%
$59,623/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 58%
$219,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 64%
$1,333/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 26%
577,193
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $34,566/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Baltimore or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $34,566/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Virginia?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Chesapeake details →

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