Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Chesapeake is 18% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,523/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 5%
$94,189/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 43%
$359,100 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 31%
$1,680/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 10%
251,153
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $40,418/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs New Haven — common questions

Is Chesapeake or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and New Haven?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or New Haven?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $40,418/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Connecticut?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View New Haven details →

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