Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Chesapeake is 45% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,523/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 30%
$94,189/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 35%
$359,100 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 30%
$1,680/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 37%
251,153
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $32,735/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Lafayette?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Lafayette?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $32,735/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Lafayette details →

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