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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Chesapeake is 33% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,523/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 44%
$94,189/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 9%
$359,100 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 65%
$1,680/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 32%
251,153
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $668/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $8,016/year.

Median household income is $8,132/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Fairfield?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $668/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Fairfield?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $8,132/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Fairfield details →

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