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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Milwaukee is 40% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,033/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 47%
$51,888/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 82%
$172,000 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 109%
$1,082/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 55%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $42,301/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $42,301/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 Milwaukee or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Chesapeake details →

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