Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Chesapeake is 42% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,523/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 27%
$94,189/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 45%
$359,100 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 38%
$1,680/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 24%
251,153
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $42,850/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Springfield — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Springfield?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Springfield?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $42,850/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Springfield details →

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