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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Chesapeake is 36% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,523/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 29%
$94,189/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 4%
$359,100 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 113%
$1,680/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 20%
251,153
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $4,023/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $4,023/year higher in Chesapeake.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Garden Grove

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins