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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Chesapeake is 7% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,523/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 7%
$94,189/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 18%
$359,100 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 17%
$1,680/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 8%
251,153
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $16,546/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Tempe — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Tempe?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Tempe?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $16,546/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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Tempe details →

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