Chester, VA vs Smithfield, VA

Chester, VA and Smithfield, VA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.2% difference in their overall index. Chester scores 103 while Smithfield scores 99 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 Chester is $1,463/month compared to $1,182/month in Smithfield — a 24% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Smithfield has cheaper rent, Chester actually has lower median home values ($290,600 vs $358,100).

Median household income in Chester is $88,455 compared to $110,182 in Smithfield (-19.7%). Smithfield offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Chester spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, more than the 12.9% in Smithfield.