Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Chesapeake is 53% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,523/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 25%
$94,189/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 14%
$359,100 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 98%
$1,680/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 9%
251,153
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.3%
Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $13,183/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $13,183/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Arizona?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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