Cost of Living in Chesapeake, VA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $919 (excluding rent), and $2,560 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,522 (excluding rent), and $4,559 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$13.2 $13.2

$9.14 $9.14

$25.38 $25.38

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$75.9 $75.9

$60.7 $60.7

$111 $111

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.91 $9.91

$8.42 $8.42

$12.88 $12.88

Cappuccino

$5.43 $5.43

$4.08 $4.08

$7.14 $7.14

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.27 $2.27

$1.95 $1.95

$2.93 $2.93

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.23 $1.23

$2.95 $2.95

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.77 $5.77

$4.1 $4.1

$8.21 $8.21

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.12 $6.12

$4.08 $4.08

$9.19 $9.19

Milk (1 liter)

$0.85 $0.85

$0.46 $0.46

$1.39 $1.39

White Bread (500g)

$4.23 $4.23

$2.25 $2.25

$5.65 $5.65

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.13 $3.13

$2.15 $2.15

$6.45 $6.45

Eggs

$3.43 $3.43

$2.33 $2.33

$6.63 $6.63

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.94 $13.94

$7.87 $7.87

$17.9 $17.9

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.19 $8.19

$4.47 $4.47

$15.62 $15.62

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.78 $16.78

$11.17 $11.17

$20.16 $20.16

Apples (1kg)

$5.07 $5.07

$2.21 $2.21

$11.05 $11.05

Banana (1kg)

$1.1 $1.1

$1.09 $1.09

$2.26 $2.26

Oranges (1kg)

$5.55 $5.55

$2.16 $2.16

$8.64 $8.64

Tomato (1kg)

$4.33 $4.33

$2.16 $2.16

$8.66 $8.66

Potato (1kg)

$2.78 $2.78

$1.51 $1.51

$6.47 $6.47

Onion (1kg)

$2.79 $2.79

$2.16 $2.16

$6.5 $6.5

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.59 $1.59

$1.23 $1.23

$3.08 $3.08

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.24 $2.24

$2.03 $2.03

$2.53 $2.53

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.46 $7.46

$6.81 $6.81

$8.9 $8.9

Wine (Bottle)

$14.83 $14.83

$11.86 $11.86

$29.66 $29.66

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.72 $1.72

$2.84 $2.84

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.98 $2.98

$1.94 $1.94

$4.86 $4.86

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.22 $1.22

$1.96 $1.96

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$69.9 $69.9

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.43 $2.43

$1.89 $1.89

$3.88 $3.88

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.18 $1.18

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$15.24 $15.24

$30.47 $30.47

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.75 $0.75

$1.01 $1.01

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.5K $29.5K

$22.2K $22.2K

$34.1K $34.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.8K $26.8K

$25.6K $25.6K

$29.2K $29.2K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$189 $189

$138 $138

$273 $273

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.6 $54.6

$40.69 $40.69

$101 $101

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$54.4 $54.4

$25.49 $25.49

$86.7 $86.7

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.05 $43.05

$10.01 $10.01

$89.1 $89.1

Cinema Ticket

$13.11 $13.11

$12.1 $12.1

$15.13 $15.13

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,506 $1,506

$1,009 $1,009

$1,918 $1,918

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$19K $19K

$16.2K $16.2K

$33.7K $33.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52 $52

$35.13 $35.13

$99.4 $99.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$20.06 $20.06

$80.2 $80.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$70.3 $70.3

$65.3 $65.3

$151 $151

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$59.9 $59.9

$245 $245

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,771 $1,771

$1,746 $1,746

$1,795 $1,795

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,385 $1,385

$1,259 $1,259

$1,511 $1,511

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,252 $2,252

$2,002 $2,002

$3,003 $3,003

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,869 $1,869

$1,672 $1,672

$2,459 $2,459

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,847 $1,847

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,610 $1,610

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,585 $4,585

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.53

6.15

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Chesapeake, VA - Frequently Asked Questions

For many, Chesapeake offers a balanced backdrop where suburban ease meets access to coastal amenities. The Cost of Living in Chesapeake, VA tends to feel friendlier than larger East Coast metros, with comfortable housing options and practical services that support longer stays without the sticker shock of big cities. First-timers often discover value in neighborhoods near parks, libraries, and affordable dining options that don’t sacrifice convenience. Seasonality around nearby tourist hubs can nudge prices modestly, but careful planning keeps trips and stays affordable. Tip: map key expenses (housing, food, transport) and compare a few neighborhoods before committing.

Begin with a practical housing search by weighing distance to parks, schools, and amenities over sheer price. Chesapeake living cost tends to be moderate, with a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments that fit different work styles. For daily needs, you’ll find grocery options ranging from budget markets to specialty stores, plus casual eateries that suit quick meals or longer work sessions. Transportation works well with road access, and many digital nomads pair car sharing or biking with occasional rideshare. Co-working and cafe options help you stay productive. Tip: test a few neighborhoods at different times of day to see fit.

Quality of life in Chesapeake comes from choosing a neighborhood that matches your pace, whether you want quiet streets near nature trails or a busier corridor with cafes and gyms. Use a simple budgeting framework focused on needs, wants, and a small safety cushion to guide decisions across seasons – keep access to reliable internet, local services, and safe outdoor spaces in mind. Save by cooking at home, shopping sales at farmers markets, and leveraging community events at libraries or rec centers. Seasonality can shift activity and crowd levels, so test your preferred areas during peak and off-peak times. Tip: stroll different blocks at different times to gauge vibe and convenience.