Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Chesapeake is 4% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,523/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 12%
$94,189/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 20%
$359,100 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 38%
$1,680/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 17%
251,153
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $180/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $2,160/year.

Median household income is $19,264/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $180/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $19,264/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Utah?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Salt Lake City details →

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