Last updated 2026-06-15 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Just below the national average, a sprawling Hampton Roads suburb with newer housing.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 98
Median 2BR rent: $1,600/mo
Housing: 95 vs 100
Groceries: 99 vs 100
Utilities: 104 vs 100
Transportation: 100 vs 100
Healthcare: 98 vs 100
Chesapeake offers new construction, decent schools, and easy access to Norfolk military bases at below-average costs. Housing is reasonable, but the city is geographically huge, so commute planning matters.