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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Chesapeake is 18% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,523/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 21%
$94,189/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 10%
$359,100 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 33%
$1,680/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 6%
251,153
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $9,572/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $9,572/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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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