Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Garland, TX (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Chesapeake is 16% more expensive than Garland.

$1,523/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ≈ Same
$94,189/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 21%
$359,100 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 31%
$1,680/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 14%
251,153
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,472/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Garland — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Garland?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Garland?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $19,472/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Garland details →