Chesapeake, WV vs Grafton, WV

The cost of living difference between Chesapeake, WV and Grafton, WV is dramatic. Grafton is 33.6% cheaper than Chesapeake, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chesapeake has a cost index of 68 while Grafton sits at 51, 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 Chesapeake is $979/month compared to $429/month in Grafton — a 128% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Grafton is more affordable at $72,700 median vs $83,100.

Median household income in Chesapeake is $60,526 compared to $38,872 in Grafton (+55.7%). 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, more than the 13.2% in Grafton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (56.2°F vs 54.9°F). Chesapeake receives more rainfall at 46.2" per year compared to 44.8" in Grafton.