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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Orange

California
206

Chesapeake is 46% cheaper than Orange.

$1,523/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 48%
$94,189/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 24%
$359,100 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 151%
$1,680/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 42%
251,153
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $22,756/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Orange — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Orange?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Orange?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $22,756/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Orange details →

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Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Orange

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