Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Seattle is 75% more expensive than Chesapeake.

$1,998/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↓ 24%
$121,984/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↓ 23%
$912,100 ↑ 154%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 61%
$2,220/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↓ 24%
741,440
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $475/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $5,700/year.

Median household income is $27,795/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Seattle or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $475/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $27,795/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Virginia?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Chesapeake details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Chesapeake

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland