Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Newark is 11% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,330/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 15%
$48,416/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 95%
$337,800 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 6%
$1,419/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 18%
307,188
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $45,773/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Newark or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $45,773/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Virginia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Chesapeake details →

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