Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Chesapeake is 27% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,523/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 19%
$94,189/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 7%
$359,100 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 31%
$1,680/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 12%
251,153
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $6,163/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Joliet slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Joliet — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Joliet?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Joliet?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $6,163/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Joliet details →

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