Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Chesapeake is 6% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,523/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 5%
$94,189/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 19%
$359,100 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 10%
$1,680/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ≈ Same
251,153
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $17,984/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Lowell — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Lowell?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Lowell?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $17,984/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Lowell details →

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