Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Modesto

California
120

Chesapeake is 7% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,523/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 6%
$94,189/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 17%
$359,100 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 16%
$1,680/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 4%
251,153
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $16,290/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Modesto — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Modesto?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Modesto?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $16,290/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Modesto details →

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