Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Huntsville is 13% more affordable than Virginia Beach. A $75,000 salary in Virginia Beach is equivalent to $65,000 in Huntsville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Huntsville has a housing index of 79 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Huntsville scores 96 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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