Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Chesapeake is 104% more expensive than Akron.

$1,523/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 39%
$94,189/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 48%
$359,100 ↑ 223%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 69%
$1,680/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 46%
251,153
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $593/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $7,116/year.

Median household income is $45,645/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Akron slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Akron — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Akron?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $593/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Akron?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $45,645/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Ohio?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Akron has a cost index of 55 with rent of $930/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Akron details →

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