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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Pittsburgh is 32% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,221/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 25%
$64,137/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 47%
$193,200 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 86%
$1,136/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 48%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $30,052/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $30,052/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 Pittsburgh or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Chesapeake details →

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