Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Chesapeake is 37% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,523/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 15%
$94,189/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 35%
$359,100 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 36%
$1,680/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 32%
251,153
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $224/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $2,688/year.

Median household income is $33,242/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Lakeland?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $224/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Lakeland?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $33,242/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Lakeland

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon