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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Norfolk is 14% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,246/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 13%
$64,017/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 11%
$271,900 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 3%
$1,366/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 23%
235,037
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

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $6,761/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Norfolk or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Huntsville?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Huntsville?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $6,761/year higher in Huntsville.
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 Norfolk or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Huntsville details →

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