Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Chesapeake is 3% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,523/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 12%
$94,189/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 35%
$359,100 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 6%
$1,680/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 2%
251,153
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $33,210/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $33,210/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Miami Gardens

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula