Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Chesapeake is 27% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,523/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 12%
$94,189/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 28%
$359,100 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 35%
$1,680/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 20%
251,153
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $177/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $2,124/year.

Median household income is $26,431/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Hampton — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Hampton?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $177/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Hampton?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $26,431/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Virginia?
Both cities are in Virginia and share the same state tax rates: 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Hampton details →

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