Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Fresno is 10% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,324/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 15%
$66,804/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 41%
$348,500 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 3%
$1,391/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 21%
543,615
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $27,385/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Fresno or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $27,385/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Chesapeake details →

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