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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Santa Ana is 46% more expensive than Chesapeake.

$1,975/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↓ 23%
$88,354/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 7%
$657,800 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 45%
$1,965/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↓ 15%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $5,835/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $5,835/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 Santa Ana or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Chesapeake details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Ana and Chesapeake

Santa Ana vs. Orlando Santa Ana vs. Cincinnati Santa Ana vs. Riverside Santa Ana vs. Irvine Santa Ana vs. Corpus Christi Santa Ana vs. St. Paul Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland