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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Richmond

California
161

Chesapeake is 30% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,523/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 24%
$94,189/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 4%
$359,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 81%
$1,680/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 20%
251,153
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $4,151/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Richmond — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Richmond?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Richmond?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $4,151/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Richmond details →

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