Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Chesapeake is 56% more expensive than Waco.

$1,523/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 28%
$94,189/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 45%
$359,100 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 44%
$1,680/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 35%
251,153
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $425/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $5,100/year.

Median household income is $42,721/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Waco — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Waco?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $425/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Waco?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $42,721/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Waco details →

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