Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Chesapeake is 12% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,523/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 20%
$94,189/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 2%
$359,100 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 13%
$1,680/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 7%
251,153
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $2,068/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Richardson residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Richardson — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Richardson?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Richardson?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $2,068/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Richardson 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 Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater