Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Madison is 8% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,364/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 12%
$76,983/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 22%
$346,900 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 4%
$1,476/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 14%
275,568
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $17,206/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Madison or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $17,206/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Virginia?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Chesapeake details →

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