Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Sacramento is 18% more expensive than Chesapeake.

$1,694/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↓ 10%
$83,753/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 12%
$484,600 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 26%
$1,752/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↓ 4%
524,802
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $10,436/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Sacramento or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $10,436/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Chesapeake details →

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