Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Chesapeake is 7% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,523/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 1%
$94,189/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 32%
$359,100 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 9%
$1,680/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 16%
251,153
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $29,749/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Clearwater?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Clearwater?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $29,749/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Clearwater

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville