Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Chesapeake is 40% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,523/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 24%
$94,189/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 41%
$359,100 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 32%
$1,680/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 30%
251,153
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $38,536/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Columbia — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Columbia?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Columbia?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $38,536/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Columbia details →

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