Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Chesapeake is 6% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,523/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 12%
$94,189/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 26%
$359,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 3%
$1,680/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ≈ Same
251,153
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $24,928/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Chesapeake or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $24,928/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and West Palm Beach

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings