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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

San Diego is 76% more expensive than Chesapeake.

$2,223/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↓ 31%
$104,321/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↓ 10%
$848,500 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 58%
$2,308/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↓ 27%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $700/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $8,400/year.

Median household income is $10,132/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is San Diego or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Chesapeake?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $700/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $10,132/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Chesapeake details →

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