Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Nashville and Chesapeake have a similar cost of living.

$1,486/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 2%
$75,197/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 25%
$383,100 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 6%
$1,471/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 14%
684,298
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,992/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Nashville or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $18,992/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Virginia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Chesapeake details →

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