Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Chesapeake is 47% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,523/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 23%
$94,189/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 45%
$359,100 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 48%
$1,680/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 24%
251,153
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $42,547/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Chesapeake slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Waterbury?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Waterbury?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $42,547/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Connecticut?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Waterbury details →

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