Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Chesapeake is 44% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,523/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 29%
$94,189/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 25%
$359,100 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 27%
$1,680/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 38%
251,153
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $23,411/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Huntsville?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Huntsville?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $23,411/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alabama?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,078/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Huntsville details →

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