Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Alexandria is 94% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,031/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 45%
$113,638/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 55%
$696,800 ↑ 213%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 68%
$2,173/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 41%
156,788
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $917/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $11,004/year.

Median household income is $62,299/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Springfield — common questions

Is Alexandria or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Springfield?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $917/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Springfield?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $62,299/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Springfield details →