Abingdon, VA vs Chester, VA

The cost of living difference between Abingdon, VA and Chester, VA is dramatic. Abingdon is 30.1% cheaper than Chester, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Abingdon has a cost index of 72 while Chester sits at 103, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Abingdon is $794/month compared to $1,463/month in Chester — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Abingdon is more affordable at $217,700 median vs $290,600.

Median household income in Abingdon is $54,976 compared to $88,455 in Chester (-37.8%). While Chester is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Abingdon spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, less than the 19.8% in Chester.