Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Chesapeake is 81% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,523/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 31%
$94,189/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 53%
$359,100 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 61%
$1,680/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 41%
251,153
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $476/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $5,712/year.

Median household income is $49,813/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Birmingham?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $476/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Birmingham?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $49,813/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alabama?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Birmingham details →

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