Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Chesapeake is 75% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,523/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 30%
$94,189/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 41%
$359,100 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 59%
$1,680/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 39%
251,153
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $38,502/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Montgomery?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Montgomery?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $38,502/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alabama?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Montgomery details →

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