Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Virginia Beach is 4% more expensive than Chesapeake.

$1,649/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↓ 8%
$90,685/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 4%
$366,300 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$359,100 ↓ 2%
$1,704/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↓ 1%
457,066
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $3,504/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $126/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $3,504/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Virginia?
Both cities are in Virginia and share the same state tax rates: 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Chesapeake details →

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