Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Chesapeake is 42% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,523/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 17%
$94,189/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 43%
$359,100 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 47%
$1,680/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 26%
251,153
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $40,786/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Allentown — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Allentown?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Allentown?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $40,786/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Pennsylvania?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Allentown details →

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