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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Chesapeake is 33% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,523/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 43%
$94,189/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 30%
$359,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 68%
$1,680/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 33%
251,153
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $657/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $7,884/year.

Median household income is $28,040/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $657/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $28,040/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

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