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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Chesapeake is 36% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,523/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 53%
$94,189/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 17%
$359,100 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 69%
$1,680/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 42%
251,153
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $807/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $9,684/year.

Median household income is $15,591/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Murrieta?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $807/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Murrieta?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $15,591/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Murrieta details →

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