Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Chesapeake, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 12.6% cheaper than Chesapeake, VA. This translates to saving $947 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Chesapeake, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Chesapeake, VA, you'd need approximately $138,640.777 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chesapeake, VA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 24.8% cheaper than in Chesapeake, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,875/month in Chesapeake, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chesapeake, VA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $947 per month, or $11359 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chesapeake, VA vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chesapeake, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $947/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.6K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$947

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chesapeake, VA

Population:249K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$347K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$263K

Chesapeake, VA

The Old Dominion State

249K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 249K residents.

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chesapeake, VA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Chesapeake, VA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $676less	24.8%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $201less	11.4%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$464/mo	↓ $109less	19.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$607/mo	↓ $24.78less	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$969/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.8%

Chesapeake, VA

$2,729

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$676

less

📦Other

↓ 11.4%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,758

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$201

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.0%

Chesapeake, VA

$574

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$109

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.4%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,284

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$81.96

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Chesapeake, VA

$632

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$24.78

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Chesapeake, VA

$959

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Chesapeake, VA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,630

To$1,020

↓ $610

1 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,100

↓ $560

2 Bed

From$1,875

To$1,315

↓ $560

3 Bed

From$2,600

To$1,575

↓ $1,025

Chesapeake, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,900/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,935

Monthly in Chesapeake, VA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$919

Difference

Home Values

Chesapeake

Columbus

$347K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +34.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$277K - $411K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 24% less expensive than Chesapeake

Calculate payment - Chesapeake Calculate payment - Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$328

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.6%

Rate difference

Chesapeake, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Chesapeake, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.