Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Chesapeake is 26% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,523/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 18%
$94,189/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 32%
$359,100 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 24%
$1,680/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 19%
251,153
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $30,172/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Norfolk?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Norfolk?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $30,172/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Virginia?
Both cities are in Virginia and share the same state tax rates: 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Norfolk details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Norfolk

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita