Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Tucson is 32% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,079/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 41%
$54,546/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 73%
$242,200 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 48%
$1,076/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 56%
543,348
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $39,643/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tucson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Tucson or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $39,643/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Chesapeake details →

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