Virginia · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Chesapeake city, VA

The median household in Chesapeake city, VA earns $95,373 a year ($7,948/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,713/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $68,520 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 2.1% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$95,373$7,948 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,713HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)97.9-2.1% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate17.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential VA
Census Population252,583Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Chesapeake city, VA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,713Monthly market rent
Share of gross income21.6%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$68,520To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,384At 30% of $95,373
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Chesapeake city, VA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Chesapeake city, VA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,492$17,904$59,68018.8%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,512$18,144$60,48019%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,713$20,556$68,52021.6%
3-Bedroom Home$2,376$28,512$95,04029.9%
4-Bedroom Home$2,797$33,564$111,88035.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Chesapeake city, VA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Chesapeake city, VA

Based on the local median household income of $95,373/year ($7,948/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,974/moRent ($1,713 2-BR), utilities (~$155/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,384/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 97.9 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,590/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Virginia

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Virginia state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$95,373
$35,000$195,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$95,373
Net 75%
Fed 13%
VA 5%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$71,255After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,938Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,741Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate25.3%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$12,152 / yr
Virginia state income tax$4,670 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$7,296 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Virginia with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Chesapeake city, VA

What is the median household income in Chesapeake city, VA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Chesapeake city, VA is $95,373 per year (approximately $7,948 per month).

What is the average rent in Chesapeake city, VA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Chesapeake city, VA are $1,492 for a studio, $1,512 for 1 bedroom, $1,713 for 2 bedrooms, $2,376 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,797 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Chesapeake city, VA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Chesapeake city, VA is 97.9 (2.1% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Chesapeake city, VA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,713/month) in Chesapeake city, VA requires a minimum gross household income of $68,520 per year ($5,710 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Chesapeake city, VA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $95,373/year ($7,948/month) in Chesapeake city, VA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,974/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,384/month to discretionary spending, and $1,590/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Chesapeake city, VA?

Residential electricity rates in Virginia average 17.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $155 per month.