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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Ontario

California
152

Chesapeake is 26% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,523/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 26%
$94,189/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 12%
$359,100 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 58%
$1,680/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 17%
251,153
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $11,383/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Ontario — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Ontario?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Ontario?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $11,383/year higher in Chesapeake.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

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Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa