Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Chesapeake is 51% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,523/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 30%
$94,189/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 36%
$359,100 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 38%
$1,680/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 35%
251,153
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $33,606/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Little Rock?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Little Rock?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $33,606/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Arkansas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Little Rock details →

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