Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Chesapeake is 51% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,523/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 57%
$94,189/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 17%
$359,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 194%
$1,680/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 47%
251,153
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $872/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $10,464/year.

Median household income is $15,884/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $872/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $15,884/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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