Cost of Living in Chesapeake, VA
Population 251,153 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Chesapeake's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $94,189 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chesapeake
The median home value in Chesapeake is $359,100 — 18% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,523/month, 16% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $94,189/year is 26% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 73.7°F and lows of 52.4°F. Overall, Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 117 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 54 | 57 | 63 | 74 | 82 | 89 | 93 | 90 | 85 | 76 | 65 | 58 |
| Low °F | 34 | 35 | 41 | 50 | 59 | 67 | 73 | 70 | 65 | 54 | 44 | 37 |
| Precip" | 3.35 | 2.71 | 3.76 | 3.47 | 4.21 | 4.56 | 5.51 | 5.83 | 4.49 | 4.07 | 3.37 | 3.29 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA?
Chesapeake has a cost index of 117 (100 = national average). It is 17% above the national average.
What is average rent in Chesapeake, VA?
The median gross rent in Chesapeake is $1,523 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chesapeake?
The median home value in Chesapeake is $359,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chesapeake?
The median household income in Chesapeake is $94,189 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chesapeake, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chesapeake is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Chesapeake, VA affordable?
Chesapeake is above average in cost of living, with an index of 117 — about 17% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake has average high temperatures of 73.7°F and average lows of 52.4°F. Annual precipitation is 48.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Chesapeake at a Glance
- Population
- 251,153
- Median Income
- $94,189
- Home Value
- $359,100
- Median Rent
- $1,523/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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