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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Durham is 6% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,412/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 8%
$79,234/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 19%
$355,300 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 1%
$1,434/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 17%
288,465
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $14,955/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Durham or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $14,955/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Chesapeake details →

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