Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Boise, ID (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Chesapeake and Boise have a similar cost of living.

$1,523/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↓ 11%
$94,189/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↓ 14%
$359,100 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 27%
$1,680/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↓ 20%
251,153
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $12,881/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Boise — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Boise?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Boise?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $12,881/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Idaho?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Boise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Boise

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise