Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Chesapeake, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 15.5% cheaper than Chesapeake, VA. This translates to saving $1165 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Chesapeake, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Chesapeake, VA, you'd need approximately $136,019.417 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chesapeake, VA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 28.6% cheaper than in Chesapeake, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,875/month in Chesapeake, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chesapeake, VA to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1165 per month, or $13981 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chesapeake, VA vs Indianapolis, IN: 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 $1.2K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.0K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 15.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,165

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.0K

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

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:84

Median Home:$176K

Chesapeake, VA

The Old Dominion State

249K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chesapeake, VA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Chesapeake, VA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,729/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $780less	28.6%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $167less	9.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $95.62less	7.4%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$503/mo	↓ $71.03less	12.4%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$582/mo	↓ $49.57less	7.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$919/mo	↓ $39.97less	4.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 28.6%

Chesapeake, VA

$2,729

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$780

less

📦Other

↓ 9.5%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,758

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$167

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.4%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,284

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$95.62

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.4%

Chesapeake, VA

$574

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$71.03

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.8%

Chesapeake, VA

$632

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$49.57

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.2%

Chesapeake, VA

$959

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$39.97

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

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$1,030

↓ $600

1 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,170

↓ $490

2 Bed

From$1,875

To$1,360

↓ $515

3 Bed

From$2,600

To$1,760

↓ $840

Chesapeake, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,900/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/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

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$1,203

Difference

Home Values

Chesapeake

Indianapolis

$347K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +34.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$277K - $411K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 49% less expensive than Chesapeake

Calculate payment - Chesapeake Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$294

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

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

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Chesapeake, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.