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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Chesapeake is 45% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,523/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 49%
$94,189/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 49%
$359,100 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 141%
$1,680/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 44%
251,153
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $752/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $9,024/year.

Median household income is $45,971/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Arlington — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Arlington?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $752/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Arlington?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $45,971/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Arlington details →

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