Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Chesapeake is 15% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,523/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 17%
$94,189/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↓ 15%
$359,100 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 27%
$1,680/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 6%
251,153
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $14,254/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $14,254/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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