Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Chesapeake is 26% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,523/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 18%
$94,189/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 20%
$359,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 67%
$1,680/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 16%
251,153
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $19,207/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Arvada — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Arvada?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Arvada?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $19,207/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Arvada details →

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