Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Chesapeake, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 13.6% cheaper than Chesapeake, VA. This translates to saving $1019 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Chesapeake, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Chesapeake, VA, you'd need approximately $137,766.99 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chesapeake, VA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 28.6% cheaper than in Chesapeake, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,875/month in Chesapeake, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chesapeake, VA to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $1019 per month, or $12233 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chesapeake, VA vs Pittsburgh, PA: 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 $1.0K/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.8K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 13.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,019

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.2K

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

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:86

Chesapeake, VA

The Old Dominion State

249K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chesapeake, VA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Chesapeake, VA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,729/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $780less	28.6%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $151less	8.6%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$527/mo	↓ $105less	16.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $68.30less	5.3%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$607/mo	↑ $32.79more	5.7%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$989/mo	↑ $29.98more	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 28.6%

Chesapeake, VA

$2,729

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$780

less

📦Other

↓ 8.6%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,758

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$151

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.7%

Chesapeake, VA

$632

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$105

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.3%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,284

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$68.30

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.7%

Chesapeake, VA

$574

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$32.79

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.1%

Chesapeake, VA

$959

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$29.98

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

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$750

↓ $880

1 Bed

From$1,660

To$850

↓ $810

2 Bed

From$1,875

To$1,050

↓ $825

3 Bed

From$2,600

To$1,400

↓ $1,200

Chesapeake, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,900/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

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$1,041

Difference

Home Values

Chesapeake

Pittsburgh

$347K

Median Value

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↑ +34.2%

5-Year Change

$277K - $411K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Chesapeake

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$314

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.5%

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

Pittsburgh, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Chesapeake, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.