Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Chesapeake is 38% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,523/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 24%
$94,189/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 35%
$359,100 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 28%
$1,680/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 34%
251,153
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $33,161/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $33,161/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Tennessee?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Chattanooga details →

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