Is Chesapeake, VA cheaper than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Chesapeake, VA is 10.8% more expensive than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY. This translates to spending an extra $806 per month.

What salary do I need in Chesapeake, VA to live like I do in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY, you'd need approximately $159,677.419 in Chesapeake, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY and Chesapeake, VA?

Housing in Chesapeake, VA is 16.7% more expensive than in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,875/month in Chesapeake, VA compared to $1,000/month in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY to Chesapeake, VA?

Living in Chesapeake, VA costs approximately $806 more per month than Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY, or $9677 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY vs Chesapeake, VA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $806/month more in Chesapeake, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.7K in Chesapeake, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 10.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$806

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.7K

Per year

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

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Population:320K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$345K

Chesapeake, VA

Population:249K

Cost Index:

111

(11% above avg)

Median Home:$347K

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

The Bluegrass State

320K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 320K residents.

Chesapeake, VA

The Old Dominion State

249K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY vs Chesapeake, VA

Category	Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY	Chesapeake, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,339/mo	$2,729/mo	↑ $390more	16.7%
Other	$1,641/mo	$1,758/mo	↑ $117more	7.1%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$574/mo	↑ $109more	23.5%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$632/mo	↑ $80.54more	14.6%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $68.30more	5.6%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 16.7%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$2,339

Chesapeake, VA

$2,729

Difference

$390

Other

↑ 7.1%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,641

Chesapeake, VA

$1,758

Difference

$117

All Utilities

↑ 23.5%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$464

Chesapeake, VA

$574

Difference

$109

Healthcare

↑ 14.6%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$551

Chesapeake, VA

$632

Difference

$80.54

Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$1,216

Chesapeake, VA

$1,284

Difference

$68.30

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$959

Chesapeake, VA

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$720

To$1,630

↑ $910

1 Bed

From$820

To$1,660

↑ $840

2 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,875

↑ $875

3 Bed

From$1,350

To$2,600

↑ $1,250

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.

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

$7,935

Monthly in Chesapeake, VA

$765

Difference

Home Values

Lexington-Fayette urban county

Chesapeake

Median Value

$347K

YoY Change

↑ +2%

5-Year Change

↑ +34.2%

Price Range

$277K - $411K

Calculate payment - Chesapeake

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $868

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$72.29

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kentucky State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Additional Tax Information

Lexington-Fayette urban county, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Chesapeake, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.