Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Chicago is 11% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,380/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 10%
$75,134/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 25%
$315,200 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 14%
$1,502/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 12%
2,707,648
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $19,055/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Chicago or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $19,055/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Virginia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,523/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Chesapeake details →

More Comparisons

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