Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Chesapeake is 12% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,523/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 14%
$94,189/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 32%
$359,100 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 2%
$1,680/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 18%
251,153
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $30,289/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Wilmington?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Wilmington?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $30,289/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Wilmington details →

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