Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Chesapeake is 21% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,523/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 15%
$94,189/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 9%
$359,100 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 53%
$1,680/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 3%
251,153
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $223/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $2,676/year.

Median household income is $8,400/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Lakewood?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $223/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Lakewood?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $8,400/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield