Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Chesapeake is 53% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,523/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 40%
$94,189/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 30%
$359,100 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 25%
$1,680/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 41%
251,153
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $607/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $7,284/year.

Median household income is $28,160/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Fargo — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Fargo?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $607/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Fargo?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $28,160/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Dakota?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Fargo details →

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