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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Chesapeake is 11% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,523/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 26%
$94,189/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$93,371/yr ≈ Same
$359,100 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 10%
$1,680/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 6%
251,153
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $818/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Surprise — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Surprise 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 Surprise?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Surprise?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $818/year higher in Chesapeake.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Surprise 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 Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite