Chesapeake, VA vs Portsmouth, VA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Portsmouth is 20.2% cheaper than Chesapeake. With a cost index of 91 vs 110, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Portsmouth to Chesapeake should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month compared to $1,266/month in Portsmouth — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Portsmouth is more affordable at $229,400 median vs $359,100.

Median household income in Chesapeake is $94,189 compared to $58,972 in Portsmouth (+59.7%). While Chesapeake is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chesapeake spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, less than the 25.8% in Portsmouth.