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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Chesapeake is 9% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,523/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 7%
$94,189/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↓ 17%
$359,100 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 23%
$1,680/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 4%
251,153
Population
192,696

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $16,033/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Vancouver?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Vancouver?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $16,033/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 Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Vancouver details →

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