Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Chesapeake is 8% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,523/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 7%
$94,189/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 28%
$359,100 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 5%
$1,680/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 9%
251,153
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $26,645/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Worcester — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Worcester?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Worcester?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $26,645/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Worcester details →

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