Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Chesapeake is 70% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,523/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 33%
$94,189/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 36%
$359,100 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 52%
$1,680/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 41%
251,153
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $34,024/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs McAllen — common questions

Is Chesapeake or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and McAllen?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or McAllen?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $34,024/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View McAllen details →

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