Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Chesapeake is 42% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,523/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 17%
$94,189/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 31%
$359,100 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 43%
$1,680/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 30%
251,153
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $28,997/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Dearborn?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Dearborn?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $28,997/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Michigan?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Dearborn details →

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