Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Chesapeake is 35% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,523/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 33%
$94,189/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 21%
$359,100 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 94%
$1,680/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 29%
251,153
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $19,449/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Alexandria?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Alexandria?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $19,449/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Virginia?
Both cities are in Virginia and share the same state tax rates: 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Alexandria details →

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