Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Chesapeake, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.8% cheaper than Chesapeake, VA. This translates to saving $437 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Chesapeake, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Chesapeake, VA, you'd need approximately $144,757.282 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chesapeake, VA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 9.5% cheaper than in Chesapeake, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,875/month in Chesapeake, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chesapeake, VA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $437 per month, or $5243 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chesapeake, VA vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $437/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$437

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.2K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$512K

Chesapeake, VA

The Old Dominion State

249K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chesapeake, VA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Chesapeake, VA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $260less	9.5%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.9%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$601/mo	↓ $30.98less	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$546/mo	↓ $27.32less	4.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 9.5%

Chesapeake, VA

$2,729

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$260

less

📦Other

↓ 2.9%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,758

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$50.22

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

Chesapeake, VA

$632

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.8%

Chesapeake, VA

$574

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Chesapeake, VA

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,284

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,630

To$1,570

↓ $60.00

1 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,640

↓ $20.00

2 Bed

From$1,875

To$1,800

↓ $75.00

3 Bed

From$2,600

To$2,255

↓ $345

Chesapeake, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,900/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$368

Difference

Home Values

Chesapeake

Raleigh

$347K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +34.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$277K - $411K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 47% more expensive than Chesapeake

Calculate payment - Chesapeake Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$104

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Chesapeake, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.