Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

St. Paul is 19% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,248/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 22%
$73,055/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 29%
$280,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 28%
$1,390/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 21%
307,762
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $21,134/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is St. Paul or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Chesapeake?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $21,134/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Virginia?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Chesapeake details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Chesapeake

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland