Factors that influence moving costs from Chesapeake to Huntsvilletoggle

The cost of Chesapeake movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Chesapeake to Huntsville might cost as little as $1,391, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,291.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Chesapeake, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $607 to $1,505. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Chesapeake to Huntsville

Moving from Chesapeake to Huntsville comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Huntsville is generally more expensive than Chesapeake, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chesapeake Huntsville
Average rent cost $1,800 $1,409
Average home value $375,209 $266,736
Average income (per capita) $63,484 $60,959
Cost of living (single person) $1,882 $3,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,656 $4,140
Unemployment rate 5.0% 3.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.0%
State income tax 5.75% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Huntsville are 22% lower than in Chesapeake, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Huntsville.
    Home prices in Huntsville are 28.9% lower than in Chesapeake.
  • Income in Huntsville is 4.0% lower than in Chesapeake, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Huntsville include Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Huntsville Hospital, and Sequel Youth and Family Services.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Huntsville, since the cost of living for a single person in Huntsville is 66.5% higher than in Chesapeake. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Huntsville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Huntsville is 13.2% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 38.00% lower than in Chesapeake.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Huntsville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Huntsville are 50.00% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • One perk of moving to Huntsville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 13.04% lower than in Chesapeake.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,994.16 in Huntsville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chesapeake.

How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Huntsville

Huntsville Chesapeake
Population 241,114 249,422
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 2
Walkability score 24 21
Bike friendliness score 40 35
Crime Index 42.55 25.0
Safety Index 57.45 70.88
Air Quality Good Good
  • Huntsville's population is about the same as Chesapeake.
  • Huntsville's public transportation has a similar score to Chesapeake.
  • Huntsville and Chesapeake are similarily walkable.
  • With a score of 40 out of 100, Huntsville is more bike-friendly than Chesapeake, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Huntsville's crime rate is higher than Chesapeake with a score of 42.55 compared to Chesapeake's 25.0. This means that Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0%.
  • Huntsville is considered to be less safe than Chesapeake with a score of 57.45 vs Chesapeake's 70.88.
  • Air quality in Huntsville is good, and in Chesapeake it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chesapeake vs. Huntsville move

  • Weather: Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Alabama doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Huntsville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Huntsville

With your sights set on "Rocket City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Huntsville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Five Points
  • Downtown Huntsville
  • Hampton Cove
  • Whitesburg
  • Research Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Blossomwood
  • Hampton Cove
  • Jones Valley
  • Madison
  • South Huntsville

Things to do in Huntsville

After settling into your new Alabama home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Huntsville has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Huntsville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, and Earlyworks Museum Complex.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Big Spring Park, Dog Spot dog park, Bicentennial Park, and California Street Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL), Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA), or Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Huntsville?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chesapeake to Huntsville. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chesapeake.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chesapeake to Huntsville?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chesapeake to Huntsville, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Chesapeake to Huntsville take?

The 748-mile journey from Chesapeake, VA to Huntsville, AL typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Chesapeake offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Huntsville.

Helpful moving resources