Is Huntsville, AL cheaper than Chesapeake, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Huntsville, AL is 8.5% cheaper than Chesapeake, VA. This translates to saving $636 per month.

What salary do I need in Huntsville, AL to live like I do in Chesapeake, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Chesapeake, VA, you'd need approximately $142,371.01 in Huntsville, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chesapeake, VA and Huntsville, AL?

Housing in Huntsville, AL is 23.6% cheaper than in Chesapeake, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL compared to $1,875/month in Chesapeake, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chesapeake, VA to Huntsville, AL?

Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Huntsville, AL could save you approximately $636 per month, or $7629 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chesapeake, VA vs Huntsville, AL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Chesapeake, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $636/month moving to Huntsville, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.4K in Huntsville, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$636

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chesapeake, VA

Population:249K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$347K

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K

Cost Index:

(8% below avg)

Median Home:$310K

Chesapeake, VA

The Old Dominion State

249K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 249K residents.

Huntsville, AL

The Heart of Dixie

226K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 226K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chesapeake, VA vs Huntsville, AL

Category	Chesapeake, VA	Huntsville, AL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,084/mo	↓ $645less	23.6%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$535/mo	↓ $96.67less	15.3%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,705/mo	↓ $52.67less	3.0%
Groceries	$959/mo	$999/mo	↑ $39.27more	4.1%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,303/mo	↑ $18.48more	1.4%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$563/mo	↓ $10.64less	1.9%

Housing

↓ 23.6%

Chesapeake, VA

$2,729

Huntsville, AL

$2,084

Difference

$645

less

Healthcare

↓ 15.3%

Chesapeake, VA

$632

Huntsville, AL

$535

Difference

$96.67

less

Other

↓ 3.0%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,758

Huntsville, AL

$1,705

Difference

$52.67

less

Groceries

↑ 4.1%

Chesapeake, VA

$959

Huntsville, AL

$999

Difference

$39.27

Transportation

↑ 1.4%

Chesapeake, VA

$1,284

Huntsville, AL

$1,303

Difference

$18.48

All Utilities

↓ 1.9%

Chesapeake, VA

$574

Huntsville, AL

$563

Difference

$10.64

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,630

To$1,138

↓ $492

1 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,257

↓ $403

2 Bed

From$1,875

To$1,447

↓ $428

3 Bed

From$2,600

To$1,864

↓ $736

Chesapeake, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,900/mo

Huntsville, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,935

Monthly in Chesapeake, VA

$7,188

Monthly in Huntsville, AL

$747

Difference

Home Values

Chesapeake

Huntsville

$347K

Median Value

$310K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +34.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.4%

$277K - $411K

Price Range

$153K - $382K

Homes in Huntsville are 11% less expensive than Chesapeake

Calculate payment - Chesapeake Calculate payment - Huntsville

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $908

Per year

Monthly Difference

$75.63

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Chesapeake, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Huntsville, AL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alabama State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,794/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Chesapeake, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Huntsville, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.