Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Chesapeake and Elizabeth have a similar cost of living.

$1,523/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 4%
$94,189/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 32%
$359,100 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 10%
$1,680/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 8%
251,153
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $30,315/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $30,315/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Jersey?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Elizabeth

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland