Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Philadelphia is 24% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,323/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 15%
$60,698/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 55%
$232,400 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 55%
$1,233/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 36%
1,582,432
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $33,491/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $33,491/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Virginia?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Chesapeake details →

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