Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Chesapeake is 24% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,523/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 17%
$94,189/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 6%
$359,100 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 30%
$1,680/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 11%
251,153
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $5,873/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Elgin — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Elgin?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Elgin?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $5,873/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Elgin

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont