Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Columbus is 26% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,224/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 24%
$65,327/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 44%
$234,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 53%
$1,243/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 35%
906,480
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $28,862/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Columbus or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $28,862/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Virginia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Chesapeake details →

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