Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Chesapeake is 15% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,523/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 13%
$94,189/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 5%
$359,100 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 35%
$1,680/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 4%
251,153
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $4,497/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Meridian — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Meridian?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Meridian?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $4,497/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Idaho?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Meridian details →

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Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord