Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Chesapeake is 35% more expensive than Athens.

$1,523/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 24%
$94,189/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 45%
$359,100 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 24%
$1,680/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 31%
251,153
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $42,534/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Athens — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Athens?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Athens?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $42,534/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Athens details →

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