Is Chesapeake, VA cheaper than Huntsville, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Chesapeake, VA is 9.3% more expensive than Huntsville, AL. This translates to spending an extra $695 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Huntsville, AL, you'd need approximately $158,335.567 in Chesapeake, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chesapeake, VA is 31.0% more expensive than in Huntsville, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,875/month in Chesapeake, VA compared to $1,447/month in Huntsville, AL.

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

Living in Chesapeake, VA costs approximately $695 more per month than Huntsville, AL, or $8336 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Huntsville, AL vs Chesapeake, VA: 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 Huntsville, AL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $695/month more in Chesapeake, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.3K in Chesapeake, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 9.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$695

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.3K

Per year

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

Huntsville, AL

Population:226K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$310K

Chesapeake, VA

Population:249K

Cost Index:

109

(9% above avg)

Median Home:$347K

Huntsville, AL

The Heart of Dixie

226K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Chesapeake, VA

The Old Dominion State

249K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Huntsville, AL vs Chesapeake, VA

Category	Huntsville, AL	Chesapeake, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,084/mo	$2,729/mo	↑ $645more	31.0%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$632/mo	↑ $96.67more	18.1%
Other	$1,705/mo	$1,758/mo	↑ $52.67more	3.1%
Groceries	$999/mo	$959/mo	↓ $39.27less	3.9%
Transportation	$1,303/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $18.48less	1.4%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$574/mo	↑ $10.64more	1.9%

Housing

↑ 31.0%

Huntsville, AL

$2,084

Chesapeake, VA

$2,729

Difference

$645

Healthcare

↑ 18.1%

Huntsville, AL

$535

Chesapeake, VA

$632

Difference

$96.67

Other

↑ 3.1%

Huntsville, AL

$1,705

Chesapeake, VA

$1,758

Difference

$52.67

Groceries

↓ 3.9%

Huntsville, AL

$999

Chesapeake, VA

$959

Difference

$39.27

less

Transportation

↓ 1.4%

Huntsville, AL

$1,303

Chesapeake, VA

$1,284

Difference

$18.48

less

All Utilities

↑ 1.9%

Huntsville, AL

$563

Chesapeake, VA

$574

Difference

$10.64

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,138

To$1,630

↑ $492

1 Bed

From$1,257

To$1,660

↑ $403

2 Bed

From$1,447

To$1,875

↑ $428

3 Bed

From$1,864

To$2,600

↑ $736

Huntsville, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,710/mo

Chesapeake, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,900/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.

$7,188

Monthly in Huntsville, AL

$7,935

Monthly in Chesapeake, VA

$747

Difference

Home Values

Huntsville

Chesapeake

$310K

Median Value

$347K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↑ +2%

↑ +29.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +34.2%

$153K - $382K

Price Range

$277K - $411K

Homes in Chesapeake are 12% more expensive than Huntsville

Calculate payment - Huntsville Calculate payment - Chesapeake

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $908

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$75.63

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Huntsville, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

Chesapeake, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.