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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Huntsville is 10% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,078/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 19%
$70,778/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 6%
$263,100 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 8%
$1,046/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 27%
218,814
Population
184,774

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $4,060/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Newport News — common questions

Is Huntsville or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Newport News?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Newport News?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $4,060/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 Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/mo, while Newport News has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,285/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Huntsville details → View Newport News details →

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