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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Los Angeles is 67% more expensive than Chesapeake.

$1,879/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↓ 19%
$80,366/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 17%
$879,500 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 59%
$2,055/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↓ 18%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $13,823/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $13,823/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 Los Angeles or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Chesapeake details →

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