Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Boston is 57% more expensive than Chesapeake.

$2,093/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↓ 27%
$94,755/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$94,189/yr ≈ Same
$710,400 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 49%
$2,176/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↓ 23%
663,972
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $570/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $6,840/year.

Median household income is $566/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Boston or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $570/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $566/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Virginia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Chesapeake details →

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