Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Chesapeake is 60% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,523/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 31%
$94,189/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 32%
$359,100 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 49%
$1,680/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 32%
251,153
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $30,223/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Des Moines?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Des Moines?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $30,223/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Iowa?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Des Moines details →

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