Chesapeake, VA vs Virginia Beach, VA

Chesapeake, VA and Virginia Beach, VA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.9% difference in their overall index. Chesapeake scores 110 while Virginia Beach scores 114 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 $1,649/month in Virginia Beach — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chesapeake is more affordable at $359,100 median vs $366,300.

Median household income in Chesapeake is $94,189 compared to $90,685 in Virginia Beach (+3.9%). Chesapeake offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Chesapeake spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, less than the 21.8% in Virginia Beach.