Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Tampa and Chesapeake have a similar cost of living.

$1,567/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↓ 3%
$71,302/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 32%
$375,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 4%
$1,553/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 8%
393,389
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,887/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Tampa or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $22,887/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Virginia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Chesapeake details →

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