59
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Arlington wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Chesapeake wins 2–1 overall (72/100)
💰 Chesapeake is more affordable
💼 Chesapeake has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chesapeake has fewer disasters
📋 Arlington vs Chesapeake — The Verdict
Arlington scores 59/100 compared to Chesapeake's 72.8/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Chesapeake has a clear edge with home prices 59% lower. Chesapeake may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chesapeake are 59% lower — a difference of $493,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chesapeake saves you $781/month — that's $9,372 per year.
💵
Households in Arlington earn $44,684 more per year (48% higher median income).
🌬️
Arlington has cleaner air with an AQI 18 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$833,300
$339,500
Median Rent /mo
$2,227
$1,446
Median Income
$137,387
$92,703
The affordability gap is significant — Chesapeake offers home prices 59% lower than Arlington, translating to $493,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
3.6%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
5 Good
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Arlington wins on air quality with an AQI 18 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
11
9
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Arlington to Chesapeake: Common Questions
Is Arlington or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Chesapeake is more affordable overall. Home prices are $493,800 lower in Chesapeake. Monthly rent is $1,446 in Chesapeake vs $2,227 in Arlington.
Does Arlington or Chesapeake have better weather?
Chesapeake scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Arlington or Chesapeake better for finding a job?
Chesapeake currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.6% in Arlington vs 3.6% in Chesapeake. Median household income is $137,387 in Arlington and $92,703 in Chesapeake.
Which city is safer — Arlington or Chesapeake?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chesapeake is safer. Arlington has had 11 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Chesapeake. Arlington scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Chesapeake.
Should I move from Arlington to Chesapeake?
Based on our data, Chesapeake scores 72.8/100 vs Arlington's 59.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chesapeake is more affordable, while Chesapeake has a better climate.
Planning to move from Arlington to Chesapeake?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.