Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Chesapeake is 67% more expensive than Independence.

$1,523/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 30%
$94,189/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 37%
$359,100 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 54%
$1,680/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 38%
251,153
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $462/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $5,544/year.

Median household income is $34,709/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Independence — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Independence?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $462/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Independence?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $34,709/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Missouri?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Independence details →

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