Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Chesapeake is 124% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,523/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 43%
$94,189/yr ↑ 117%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 54%
$359,100 ↑ 285%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 74%
$1,680/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 50%
251,153
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $657/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $7,884/year.

Median household income is $50,735/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Dayton — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Dayton?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $657/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Dayton?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $50,735/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Ohio?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Dayton details →

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