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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Downey

California
169

Chesapeake is 34% cheaper than Downey.

$1,523/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 24%
$94,189/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 7%
$359,100 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 103%
$1,680/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 19%
251,153
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $369/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $4,428/year.

Median household income is $6,789/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Downey — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Downey?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $369/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Downey?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $6,789/year higher in Chesapeake.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Downey details →

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