Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Chesapeake is 55% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,523/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 64%
$94,189/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 71%
$359,100 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 235%
$1,680/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 54%
251,153
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $982/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $11,784/year.

Median household income is $67,111/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Bellevue?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $982/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Bellevue?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $67,111/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Bellevue details →

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