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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Chesapeake is 3% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,523/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 6%
$94,189/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 32%
$359,100 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 7%
$1,680/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 12%
251,153
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $30,201/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Chesapeake or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $30,201/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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and San Bernardino

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley