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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Irvine is 129% more expensive than Chesapeake.

$2,893/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↓ 47%
$129,647/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↓ 27%
$1,115,400 ↑ 211%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 68%
$2,904/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↓ 42%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,370/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $16,440/year.

Median household income is $35,458/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Irvine or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $1,370/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $35,458/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Chesapeake details →

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