Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Chesapeake is 53% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,523/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 80%
$94,189/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 34%
$359,100 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 190%
$1,680/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 57%
251,153
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,219/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $14,628/year.

Median household income is $32,280/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Cambridge?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,219/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Cambridge?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $32,280/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Cambridge details →

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