Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Chesapeake is 24% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,523/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 22%
$94,189/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 60%
$359,100 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 42%
$1,680/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 29%
251,153
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $329/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $3,948/year.

Median household income is $56,748/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Naperville — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Naperville?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $329/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Naperville?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $56,748/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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