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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Huntsville is 11% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,078/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 25%
$70,778/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 4%
$263,100 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 11%
$1,046/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 29%
218,814
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $3,020/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Hampton — common questions

Is Huntsville or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Hampton?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Hampton?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $3,020/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Virginia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Hampton details →

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