Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Portland is 23% more expensive than Chesapeake.

$1,596/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↓ 5%
$88,792/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 6%
$557,600 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 36%
$1,771/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↓ 5%
642,715
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $5,397/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Portland or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $73/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $5,397/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Virginia?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Chesapeake details →

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