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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Chesapeake is 43% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,523/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 63%
$94,189/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 27%
$359,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 101%
$1,680/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 58%
251,153
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $963/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $11,556/year.

Median household income is $25,737/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $963/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $25,737/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

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