Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Chesapeake is 11% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,523/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 8%
$94,189/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 8%
$359,100 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 27%
$1,680/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 4%
251,153
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $128/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $1,536/year.

Median household income is $7,210/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Sparks — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Sparks?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $128/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Sparks?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $7,210/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Nevada?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

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Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler