Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Chesapeake is 11% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,523/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 5%
$94,189/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 11%
$359,100 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 27%
$1,680/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 4%
251,153
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $10,332/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Tacoma?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $10,332/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Tacoma details →

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