Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Chesapeake is 55% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,523/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 40%
$94,189/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 15%
$359,100 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 276%
$1,680/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 39%
251,153
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $604/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $7,248/year.

Median household income is $14,369/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Chesapeake slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Berkeley?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $604/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Berkeley?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $14,369/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Berkeley details →

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