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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Fontana

California
146

Chesapeake is 23% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,523/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 14%
$94,189/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 4%
$359,100 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 56%
$1,680/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 18%
251,153
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $3,998/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Fontana — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Fontana?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Fontana?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $3,998/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Fontana details →

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