Chesapeake, VA vs Suffolk, VA

Chesapeake, VA and Suffolk, VA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.4% difference in their overall index. Chesapeake scores 110 while Suffolk scores 106 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month compared to $1,484/month in Suffolk — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Suffolk is more affordable at $329,600 median vs $359,100.

Median household income in Chesapeake is $94,189 compared to $90,089 in Suffolk (+4.6%). 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 19.8% in Suffolk.