Salary & Cost of Living in Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake, VA: $68,000 median salary, cost of living index 100, $12.41/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$68,000
$33/hr
Cost of Living
100
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$12.41
per hour
Unemployment
2.8%
rate
Chesapeake, VA Overview
Population
249,422
Median Salary
$68,000
Average Salary
$75,000
Avg Commute
26 min
Median Home Price
$320,000
Median Rent
$1,350/mo
Job Growth
+2%
Sales Tax
6%
Chesapeake is located in Virginia with a population of 249,422. The median household salary is $68,000 per year ($33/hour), which is $8,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2%.
Chesapeake Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Chesapeake, VA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$52,314
$4,359.50/month · $2,012.08/biweekly · Effective Rate: 23.1%
Gross Pay
$68,000
Federal Tax
-$6,574
State Tax
-$3,910
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,202
Net Pay
$52,314
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,666.67 | $68,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$547.83 | -$6,574.00 |
| Virginia State Tax (5.75%) | -$325.83 | -$3,910.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$351.33 | -$4,216.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$82.17 | -$986.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,359.50 | $52,314.00 |
Salary Comparison: Chesapeake vs Other Cities
See how Chesapeake's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake, VA | $68,000 | 100 | $68,000 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $68,000 | 140 | $48,571 |
| Hayward, CA | $68,000 | 145 | $46,897 |
| Fort Collins, CO | $68,000 | 108 | $62,963 |
| Pearl City, HI | $68,000 | 175 | $38,857 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Chesapeake
Chesapeake's cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100). Chesapeake's cost of living matches the national average.
Median Home Price
$320,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,350
Annual Rent Cost
$16,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $52,314 annual take-home pay in Chesapeake has the purchasing power of approximately $52,314 in an average-cost US area. Your $68,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Chesapeake
Chesapeake's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $68,000.
Salary Tips for Chesapeake Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.75% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Chesapeake's top industries include Military, Manufacturing, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $68,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Chesapeake, VA?
The median salary in Chesapeake, VA is $68,000 per year, or $33 per hour. The average salary is $75,000. This is $8,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA?
Chesapeake's cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100), meaning it is equal to the cost of living compared to the national average. The median home price is $320,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,350.
What are the best industries in Chesapeake?
The top industries in Chesapeake, VA include Military, Manufacturing, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 2% and an unemployment rate of 2.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $68,000.
How does Chesapeake's salary compare to other cities?
Chesapeake's median salary of $68,000 is 14.5% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 100), the real purchasing power is approximately $68,000.
What is the minimum wage in Chesapeake, VA?
The minimum wage in Chesapeake, VA is $12.41 per hour. This equals approximately $25,813 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $5.16 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.