Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Chesapeake is 7% more expensive than Salem.

$1,523/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 13%
$94,189/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 24%
$359,100 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 6%
$1,680/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 14%
251,153
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $22,289/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Salem — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Salem?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Salem?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $22,289/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Oregon?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Salem details →

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