Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Chesapeake is 65% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,523/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 38%
$94,189/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 41%
$359,100 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 39%
$1,680/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 42%
251,153
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.9%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $39,013/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Chesapeake slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $39,013/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Mexico?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Las Cruces

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria