Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Chesapeake is 30% more expensive than Billings.

$1,523/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 28%
$94,189/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 24%
$359,100 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$311,800 ↓ 13%
$1,680/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 30%
251,153
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $426/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $5,112/year.

Median household income is $22,334/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Billings — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Billings?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $426/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Billings?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $22,334/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Montana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Billings details →

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