Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Chesapeake, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 0.2% more expensive than Chesapeake, VA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Chesapeake, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Chesapeake, VA, you'd need approximately $150,174.757 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chesapeake, VA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 2.2% more expensive than in Chesapeake, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,875/month in Chesapeake, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chesapeake, VA to Phoenix, AZ?

Chesapeake, VA and Phoenix, AZ have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chesapeake, VA vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 spend $14.56/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.2K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.56

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$175

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Chesapeake, VA

The Old Dominion State

249K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chesapeake, VA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Chesapeake, VA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $205more	16.0%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $80.35less	4.6%
🏠Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $59.77more	2.2%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$561/mo	↓ $12.57less	2.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.0%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,284

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$205

📦Other

↓ 4.6%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,758

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$80.35

less

🏠Housing

↑ 2.2%

Chesapeake, VA

$2,729

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$59.77

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Chesapeake, VA

$632

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.2%

Chesapeake, VA

$574

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$12.57

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Chesapeake, VA

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,630

To$1,390

↓ $240

1 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,510

↓ $150

2 Bed

From$1,875

To$1,750

↓ $125

3 Bed

From$2,600

To$2,330

↓ $270

Chesapeake, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,900/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$132

Difference

Home Values

Chesapeake

Phoenix

$347K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +34.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$277K - $411K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 19% more expensive than Chesapeake

Calculate payment - Chesapeake Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$261

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Chesapeake, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.