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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Louisville is 34% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,069/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 42%
$64,731/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 46%
$221,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 62%
$1,118/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 50%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $454/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $5,448/year.

Median household income is $29,458/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Louisville or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $454/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $29,458/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 Louisville or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Chesapeake details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Louisville and Chesapeake

Louisville vs. Memphis Louisville vs. Baltimore Louisville vs. Detroit Louisville vs. Milwaukee Louisville vs. Portland Louisville vs. Albuquerque Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland