Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia

112

Winston-Salem

North Carolina

Chesapeake is 41% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,523/mo ↑ 47%

Median Rent

$1,033/mo ↓ 32%

$94,189/yr ↑ 63%

Median Income

$57,673/yr ↓ 39%

$359,100 ↑ 72%

Home Value

$208,200 ↓ 42%

$1,680/mo ↑ 62%

Owner Costs

$1,040/mo ↓ 38%

251,153

Population

250,887

Tax Comparison

5.75%

Income Tax

4.5%

5.3%

Sales Tax

4.75%

0.8%

Property Tax

0.8%

Affordability

19.4%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.5%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $36,516/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 112 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Winston-Salem?

Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $490/month.

Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Winston-Salem?

Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $36,516/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 Winston-Salem?

It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.