Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Chesapeake is 23% cheaper than Kent.

$1,523/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 20%
$94,189/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 4%
$359,100 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 50%
$1,680/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 14%
251,153
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $3,773/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Kent — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Kent?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Kent?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $3,773/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Kent details →

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