Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Raleigh and Chesapeake have a similar cost of living.

$1,468/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 4%
$82,424/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 14%
$377,800 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 5%
$1,487/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 13%
470,763
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $55/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $660/year.

Median household income is $11,765/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Raleigh or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $55/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $11,765/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Chesapeake details →

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