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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Chesapeake is 43% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,523/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 39%
$94,189/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 11%
$359,100 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 139%
$1,680/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 34%
251,153
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $10,030/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Fullerton?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Fullerton?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $10,030/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Fullerton details →

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