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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Phoenix is 3% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,458/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 4%
$77,041/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 22%
$381,900 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 6%
$1,430/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 17%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $17,148/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Phoenix or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $17,148/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 Phoenix or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Chesapeake details →

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