Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Mesa is 4% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,478/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 3%
$78,779/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 20%
$364,300 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 1%
$1,404/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 20%
507,478
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,410/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Mesa or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $15,410/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Chesapeake details →

More Comparisons

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