Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Lexington is 27% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,101/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 38%
$67,631/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 39%
$272,100 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 32%
$1,160/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 45%
321,122
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $422/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $5,064/year.

Median household income is $26,558/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Lexington or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $422/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $26,558/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Virginia?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Chesapeake details →

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